Stable Inoculant Compositions and Methods for Producing Same

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides non-aqueous inoculant compositions and methods for enhancing the survival and/or stability of microbial spores in an inoculant composition. In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise microbial spores, one or more dispersants, one or more dust suppressants and a solid non-aqueous carrier.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62/217,250, filed Sep. 11, 2015;62/273,054, filed Dec. 30, 2015; 62/296,766, filed Feb. 18, 2016; and62/343,250, filed May 31, 2016, the disclosure of each of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for enhancingthe stability and survival of microbial spores in inoculantcompositions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Inoculant compositions comprising agriculturally beneficialmicroorganisms are well known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos.5,484,464; 5,586,411; 5,695,541; 5,804,208; 5,916,029; 6,569,425;6,808,917; 6,824,772; 7,429,477; 8,148,138; 8,278,247; 8,445,256;8,883,679; 8,921,089; 8,999,698; 9,017,442; 9,101,088; 9,234,251;9,340,464.

Because the effectiveness of such inoculant compositions generallydepends on the ability of the microorganisms therein to survive andpropagate following application, much effort has been made to increasethe stability of agriculturally beneficial microorganisms in inoculantcompositions. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,011,132 (describing a method ofadding trehalose, sucrose or glycerol to the substantially stationaryphase of fermentation) and U.S. Pat. No. 9,090,884 (describing themicroencapsulation of microorgnaisms in a water-soluble encapsulatingmaterial).

Nevertheless, there remains a need for improved compositions and methodsfor enhancing the stability and survival of microorganisms in inoculantcompositions.

SUMMARY OF THE CLAIMED INVENTION

The present disclosure provides stable inoculant compositions andmethods for enhancing the survival and/or stability of microbial sporesin inoculant compositions.

A first aspect of the present disclosure is a non-aqueous inoculantcomposition comprising Penicillium spores, one or more dispersants and asolid non-aqueous carrier. In some embodiments, the inoculantcomposition comprises one or more dust suppressants, one or morepesticides, one or more lipo-chitooligosaccharides, one or morechitooligosaccharides, one or more chitinous compounds, one or moreflavonoids and/or one or more drying agents.

A second aspect of the present disclosure is a coated plant propagationmaterial comprising a plant propagation material and a coating thatcovers at least a portion of an outer surface of the plant propagationmaterial, said coating comprising a non-aqueous inoculant composition ofthe present disclosure.

A third aspect of the present disclosure is a kit comprising a coatedplant propagation material of the present disclosure and a containerhousing the coated plant propagation material.

A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a plant germinated from acoated plant propagation material of the present disclosure.

A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a plant part harvested froma plant that was germinated from a coated plant propagation material ofthe present disclosure.

A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a processed product derivedfrom a plant that was germinated from a coated plant propagationmaterial of the present disclosure.

A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a crop comprising aplurality of plants germinated from coated plant propagation materialsof the present disclosure.

An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a method that comprisesapplying a non-aqueous inoculant composition of the present disclosureto a plant propagation material.

A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a method that comprises,consists essentially of or consisting of planting a coated plantpropagation material of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-3 are graphs showing the survivability of spray-driedPenicillium bilaiae on corn seeds and 50% relative humidity and 10° C.,20° C. or 30° C., respectively. Triangles=corn seeds coated with aspray-dried composition comprising Penicillium bilaiae spores (10% w/w),MALTRIN QD® M580 (78.469% w/w), maltose monohydrate (8.719% w/w) andBIOSOFT® N23-3 (2.813% w/w). Squares=corn seeds coated with aspray-dried composition comprising Penicillium bilaiae spores (10% w/w),MALTRIN QD® M580 (74.879% w/w), maltose monohydrate (8.320% w/w),MULTIWET® MO-85P-PW-(AP) (2.750% w/w) and SUNSPRAY® 6N (4.051% w/w).Diamonds=corn seeds coated with a commercially available wettable powdercomprising Penicillium bilaiae spores.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is explained in greater detail below. Thisdescription is not intended to be a detailed catalog of all thedifferent ways in which the invention may be implemented or of all thefeatures that may be added to the instant invention. For example,features illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be incorporatedinto other embodiments and features illustrated with respect to aparticular embodiment may be deleted from that embodiment. In addition,numerous variations and additions to the various embodiments suggestedherein, which do not depart from the instant invention, will be apparentto those skilled in the art in light of the instant disclosure. Hence,the following specification is intended to illustrate some particularembodiments of the invention and not to exhaustively specify allpermutations, combinations and variations thereof.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the specification andrelevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overlyformal sense unless expressly so defined herein. For the sake of brevityand/or clarity, well-known functions or constructions may not bedescribed in detail.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. Thus, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, “amaltodextrin” is to be interpreted as “one or more maltodextrins,” “amicroorganism” is to be interpreted as “one or more microorganisms,” “alipo-chitooligosaccharide” is to be interpreted as “one or morelipo-chitooligosaccharides,” etc.

As used herein, the term “about,” when used in reference to a measurablevalue such as an amount of mass, dose, time, temperature and the like,is meant to encompass variations of 0.1%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, 2%,3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%,19% or 20% of the specified amount. Unless otherwise indicated, allnumerical values in the specification are to be understood as beingmodified by the term “about.”

As used herein, the term “agriculturally beneficial agent” refers to anyagent (e.g., chemical or biological agent) or combination of agents theapplication of which causes or provides a beneficial and/or usefuleffect in agriculture including, but not limited to, agriculturallybeneficial microorganisms, biostimulants, nutrients, pesticides (e.g.,fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and nematicides) and plant signalmolecules.

As used herein, the term “agriculturally beneficial microorganism”refers to a microorganism having at least one agriculturally beneficialproperty (e.g., the ability to fix nitrogen, the ability to solubilizephosphate and/or the ability to produce an agriculturally beneficialagent, such as a plant signal molecule).

As used herein, the term “agriculturally acceptable carrier” refers to amaterial that can be used to deliver an agriculturally beneficial agentto a plant, plant part or plant growth medium (e.g., soil). As usedherein, the term “soil-compatible carrier” refers to a material that canbe added to a soil without causing/having an unduly adverse effect onplant growth, soil structure, soil drainage, or the like. As usedherein, the term “seed-compatible carrier” refers to a material that canbe added to a seed without causing/having an unduly adverse effect onthe seed, the plant that grows from the seed, seed germination, or thelike. As used herein, the term “foliar-compatible carrier” refers to amaterial that can be added to a plant or plant part withoutcausing/having an unduly adverse effect on the plant, plant part, plantgrowth, plant health, or the like.

As used herein, the term “and/or” is intended to include any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items, as well asthe lack of combinations when interpreted in the alternative (“or”).

As used herein, the term “aqueous” refers to a composition that containsmore than a trace amount of water (i.e., more than 0.5% water by weight,based upon the total weight of the composition).

As used herein, the term “biostimulant” refers to an agent orcombination of agents the application of which enhances one or moremetabolic and/or physiological processes of a plant or plant part (e.g.,carbohydrate biosynthesis, ion uptake, nucleic acid uptake, nutrientdelivery, photosynthesis and/or respiration).

As used herein, the term “colony forming unit” refers to a microbialcell/spore capable of propagating on or in a substrate (e.g., a soil)when conditions (e.g., temperature, moisture, nutrient availability, pH,etc.) are favorable for microbial growth.

As used herein, the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” “comprising,”“include,” “includes” and “including” specify the presence of statedfeatures, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps,operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term “consists essentially of” (and grammaticalvariants thereof), as applied to the compositions and methods of thepresent disclosure, means that the compositions/methods may containadditional components so long as the additional components do notmaterially alter the composition/method. The term “materially alter,” asapplied to a composition/method, refers to an increase or decrease inthe effectiveness of the composition/method of at least about 20% ormore. For example, a component added to an inoculant composition of thepresent disclosure “materially alters” the composition if it increasesor decreases the composition's ability to enhance microbial survival byat least about 50%.

As used herein, the terms “effective amount,” “effective concentration,”and “effective dosage” (and grammatical variants thereof) refer to anamount, concentration or dosage that is sufficient to cause a desiredeffect (e.g. enhanced microbial survival). The absolute value of theamount/concentration/dosage that is sufficient to cause the desiredeffect may be affected by factors such as the type and magnitude ofeffect desired, the type, size and volume of seeds to which theinoculant compositon will be applied, the stability of themicroorganisms in the inoculant composition and the storage conditions(e.g., temperature, relative humidity, duration). Those skilled in theart will understand how to select an effectiveamount/concentration/dosage using routine dose-response experiments.

As used herein, the term “enhanced stability” refers to an improvementin one or more characteristics of microbial stability as compared to oneor more controls (e.g., a control composition that is identical to aninoculant composition of the present disclosure except that it lacks oneor more of the components found in the inoculant composition of thepresent disclosure). Exemplary microbial stability characteristicsinclude, but are not limited to, the ability to cause a desired effect(e.g., enhanced plant yield and/or increased pesticidal activity) afterbeing coated on a seed and/or stored for a defined period of time andsurvival rate after being coated on a seed and/or stored for a definedperiod of time. A microorganism that exhibits improvement in one or moremicrobial stability characteristics as compared to a controlmicroorganism when each is subjected to the same conditions (e.g., seedcoating and storage conditions) displays enhanced stability and can bereferred to as a “stable microorganism.” An inoculant composition thatimproves one or more microbial stability characteristics of themicroorganism(s) contained therein as compared to a control composition(e.g., a control composition that is identical to the inoculantcomposition except that it lacks one or more of the components found inthe inoculant composition) provides enhanced stability and can bereferred to as a “stable inoculant composition.”

As used herein, the term “enhanced survival” refers to an improvement inthe survival rate of one or more microorganisms in an inoculantcomposition as compared to one or more microorganisms in a controlcomposition (e.g., a control composition that is identical to aninoculant composition of the present disclosure except that it lacks oneor more of the components found in the inoculant composition of thepresent disclosure). An inoculant composition that improves the survivalrate of one or more of the microorganisms contained therein as comparedto a control composition (e.g., a control composition that is identicalto the inoculant composition except that it lacks one or more of thecomponents found in the inoculant composition) provides enhancedsurvival and can be referred to as a stable inoculant composition.

As used herein, the terms “enhanced yield” and “enhanced plant yield”refer to an improvement in one or more characteristics of plant yield ascompared to one or more control plants (e.g., a control plant germinatedfrom an untreated seed). Exemplary plant yield characteristics include,but are not limited to, biomass; bushels per acre; grain weight per plot(GWTPP); nutritional content; percentage of plants in a given area(e.g., plot) that fail to produce grain; yield at standard moisturepercentage (YSMP), such as grain yield at standard moisture percentage(GYSMP); yield per plot (YPP), such as grain weight per plot (GWTPP);and yield reduction (YRED). Unless otherwise indicated, references toenhanced plant yield are to be interpreted as meaning that compositionsand methods of the present disclosure may be capable of enhancing plantyield by enhancing nutrient availability, improving soilcharacteristics, etc. and are not to be interpreted as suggesting thatcompositions and methods of the present disclosure act as plant growthregulators. As used herein, the term “foliage” refers to those portionsof a plant that normally grow above the ground, including, but notlimited to, leaves, stalks, stems, flowers, fruiting bodies and fruits.

As used herein, the terms “foliar application,” “foliarly applied” andgrammatical variations thereof, refer to the application of one or moreactive ingredients to the foliage of a plant (e.g., to the leaves of theplant). Application may be effected by any suitable means, including,but not limited to, spraying the plant with a composition comprising theactive ingredient(s). In some embodiments, the active ingredient(s)is/are applied to the leaves, stems and/or stalk of the plant and not tothe flowers, fruiting bodies or fruits of the plant.

As used herein, the term “glass transition temperature” and itsabbreviation “Tg” refer to the midpoint of the temperature range overwhich a composition transitions from a glassy state to a rubbery state.

As used herein, the term “glassy state” refers to an amorphous solid.

As used herein, the terms “inoculant composition” and “inoculum” referto compositions comprising microbial cells and/or spores, saidcells/spores being capable of propagating on or in a substrate (e.g., asoil) when conditions (e.g., temperature, moisture, nutrientavailability, pH, etc.) are favorable for microbial growth.

As used herein, the term “isomer” includes all stereoisomers of thecompounds and/or molecules to which it refers, including enantiomers anddiastereomers, as well as all conformers, roatmers and tautomers, unlessotherwise indicated. Compounds and/or molecules disclosed herein includeall enantiomers in either substantially pure levorotatory ordextrorotatory form, or in a racemic mixture, or in any ratio ofenantiomers. Where embodiments disclose a (D)-enantiomer, thatembodiment also includes the (L)-enantiomer; where embodiments disclosea (L)-enantiomer, that embodiment also includes the (D)-enantiomer.Where embodiments disclose a (+)-enantiomer, that embodiment alsoincludes the (−)-enantiomer; where embodiments disclose a(−)-enantiomer, that embodiment also includes the (+)-enantiomer. Whereembodiments disclose a (S)-enantiomer, that embodiment also includes the(R)-enantiomer; where embodiments disclose a (R)-enantiomer, thatembodiment also includes the (S)-enantiomer. Embodiments are intended toinclude any diastereomers of the compounds and/or molecules referred toherein in diastereomerically pure form and in the form of mixtures inall ratios. Unless stereochemistry is explicitly indicated in a chemicalstructure or chemical name, the chemical structure or chemical name isintended to embrace all possible stereoisomers, conformers, rotamers andtautomers of compounds and/or molecules depicted.

As used herein, the term “nitrogen fixing organism” refers to anorganism capable of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into a formthat may be utilized by a plant or plant part (e.g., ammonia (NH₃),ammonium (NH₄+), etc.).

As used herein, the term “non-aqueous” refers to a composition thatcomprises no more than a trace amount of water (i.e., no more than 0.5%water by weight, based upon the total weight of the composition).

As used herein, the term “nutrient” refers to a compound or elementuseful for nourishing a plant (e.g., vitamins, macrominerals,micronutrients, trace minerals, organic acids, etc. that are necessaryfor plant growth and/or development).

As used herein, the term “onset temperature” refers to the temperatureat which a composition begins the transition from a glassy state to arubbery state.

As used herein, the term “Penicillium bilaiae” is intended to includeall iterations of the species name, such as “Penicillium bilaji” and“Penicillium bilaii.”

As used herein, the term “pest” includes any organism or virus thatnegatively affects a plant, including, but not limited to, organisms andviruses that spread disease, damage host plants and/or compete for soilnutrients. The term “pest” encompasses organisms and viruses that areknown to associate with plants and to cause a detrimental effect on theplant's health and/or vigor. Plant pests include, but are not limitedto, arachnids (e.g., mites, ticks, spiders, etc.), bacteria, fungi,gastropods (e.g., slugs, snails, etc.), invasive plants (e.g., weeds),insects (e.g., white flies, thrips, weevils, etc.), nematodes (e.g.,root-knot nematode, soybean cyst nematode, etc.), rodents and viruses(e.g., tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV),cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), etc.).

As used herein, the terms “pesticide” and “pesticidal” refer to agentsor combinations of agents the application of which is toxic to a pest(i.e., kills a pest, inhibits the growth of a pest and/or inhibits thereproduction of a pest). Non-limiting examples of pesticides includefungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and nematicides, etc.

As used herein, the term “phosphate-solubilizing microorganism” refersto a microorganism capable of converting insoluble phosphate into asoluble form of phosphate.

As used herein, the term “plant” includes all plant populations,including, but not limited to, agricultural, horticultural andsilvicultural plants. The term “plant” encompasses plants obtained byconventional plant breeding and optimization methods (e.g.,marker-assisted selection) and plants obtained by genetic engineering,including cultivars protectable and not protectable by plant breeders'rights.

As used herein, the term “plant cell” refers to a cell of an intactplant, a cell taken from a plant, or a cell derived from a cell takenfrom a plant. Thus, the term “plant cell” includes cells within seeds,suspension cultures, embryos, meristematic regions, callus tissue,leaves, shoots, gametophytes, sporophytes, pollen and microspores.

As used herein, the term “plant part” refers to any part of a plant,including cells and tissues derived from plants. Thus, the term “plantpart” may refer to any of plant components or organs (e.g., leaves,stems, roots, etc.), plant tissues, plant cells and seeds. Examples ofplant parts, include, but are not limited to, anthers, embryos, flowers,fruits, fruiting bodies, leaves, ovules, pollen, rhizomes, roots, seeds,shoots, stems and tubers, as well as scions, rootstocks, protoplasts,calli and the like.

As used herein, the term “plant propagation material” refers to a plantpart from which a whole plant can be generated. Examples of plantpropagation materials include, but are not limited to, cuttings (e.g.,leaves, stems), rhizomes, seeds, tubers and cells/tissues that can becultured into a whole plant.

As used herein, the term “protectant” refers to an agent or combinationof agents the application of which enhances the survival and/orstability of a microorganism in an inoculant composition.

As used herein, the term “rubbery state” refers to an amorphous,visoelastic liquid.

As used herein, the terms “signal molecule” and “plant signal molecule”refer to an agent that, when applied to a plant or plant part, resultsin enhanced growth and/or development as compared to untreated plants orplant parts (e.g., seeds and plants harvested from untreated seeds).Non-limiting examples of signal molecules includelipo-chitooligosaccharides, chitooligosaccharides, chitinous compounds,flavonoids, jasmonic acid or derivatives thereof, linoleic acid orderivatives thereof, linolenic acid or derivatives thereof, karrikins,etc.

As used herein, the term “solid” refers to a composition that is neithera gas nor a liquid.

As used herein, the terms “spore” and “microbial spore” refer to amicroorganism in its dormant, protected state.

As used herein with respect to inoculant compositions, the term “stable”refers to an inoculant composition in which microorganisms exhibitenhanced stability and/or enhanced survival. In general, an inoculantcomposition may be labeled “stable” if it improves the survival rateand/or at least one microbial stability characteristic of at least onemicroorganism contained therein.

As used herein with respect to microbial spores, the term “survivalrate” refers to the percentage of microbial spores that are viable(i.e., capable of propagating on or in a substrate (e.g., on a seedand/or in a soil) when conditions (e.g., temperature, moisture, nutrientavailability, pH, etc.) are favorable for microbial growth) at a givenperiod of time.

While certain aspects of the present disclosure will hereinafter bedescribed with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understoodby those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form anddetails may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present disclosure as defined by the claims.

All publications, patent applications, patents and other referencesmentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety, exceptinsofar as they contradict any disclosure expressly set forth herein.

The present disclosure provides inoculant compositions and methods forenhancing the stability and/or survival of microbial spores.

The present disclosure provides non-aqueous inoculant compositionscomprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of one or moremicrobial spores and a non-aqueous carrier.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosureimprove the stability of one or more microbial spores contained thereinby at least about 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40,45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120,125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to a control composition (e.g.,a control composition that is identical to the inoculant composition ofthe present disclosure except that it lacks one or more of thecomponents found in the inoculant composition and/or contains one ormore components not found in the inoculant composition of the presentdisclosure). For example, inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure may improve one or more microbial stability characteristicsof one or more of the microbial spores contained therein by at leastabout 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85,90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as comparedto a control composition that is identical to the inoculant compositionexcept that lacks one or more of the protectants/dispersants found inthe inoculant composition and/or comprises a reduced amount of one ormore of the protectants/dispersants found in the inoculant composition.

In some embodiments, microbial spores remain viable in inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure for at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32,36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104weeks or more (e.g., at least 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48,52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or morewhen stored at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34,35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40° C. and 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50,55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relative humidity).

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosureimprove the survival rate of one or more microbial spores containedtherein by at least about 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30,35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115,120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to a control composition(e.g., a control composition that is identical to the inoculantcomposition of the present disclosure except that it lacks one or moreof the components found in the inoculant composition and/or contains oneor more components not found in the inoculant compositionof the presentdisclosure). For example, inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure may improve the survival rate of one or more of the microbialspores contained therein by at least about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35,40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120,125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to a control composition that isidentical to the inoculant composition except that lacks one or more ofthe protectants/dispersants found in the inoculant composition and/orcomprises a reduced amount of one or more of the protectants/dispersantsfound in the inoculant composition.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosureimprove the survival of one or more of the microbial spores containedtherein to the extent that at least about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85,90, 95% or more of the microbial spores survive when the inoculantcomposition is stored at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31,32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40° C. for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24,28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96,100, 104 weeks or more. In some embodiments, inoculant compositions ofthe present disclosure improve the survival of one or more of themicrobial spores contained therein to the extent that at least about 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40,45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70% or more of the microbial spores survive when theinoculant composition is stored at 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28,29 and/or 30° C. for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52,56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosureimprove the survival of one or more of the microbial spores containedtherein to the extent that at least about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85,90, 95% or more of the microbial spores survive when the inoculantcomposition is desiccated by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45,50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more and stored at 0, 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39and/or 40° C. and 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70,75, 80, 85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32,36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104weeks or more. In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure improve the survival of one or more of the microbialspores contained therein to the extent that at least about 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50,55, 60, 65, 70% or more of the microbial spores survive when theinoculant composition is coated on a seed, dried and stored at 20, 21,22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and/or 30° C. and 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55,60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23,24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92,96, 100, 104 weeks or more.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosureimprove the survival of one or more of the microbial spores containedtherein to the extent that at least 1×10¹, 1×10², 1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵,1×10⁶, 1×10⁷, 1×10⁸, 1×10⁹, 1×10¹⁰, 1×10¹¹, 1×10¹² cfu/gram ormilliliter or more of the microbial spores survive when the inoculantcomposition is stored at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31,32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40° C. for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24,28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96,100, 104 weeks or more. In some embodiments, inoculant compositions ofthe present disclosure improve the survival of one or more of themicrobial spores contained therein to the extent that at least 1×10⁴,1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷ cfu/seed or more of the microbial spores survivewhen the inoculant composition is stored at 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,27, 28, 29 and/or 30° for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48,52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosureimprove the survival of one or more of the microbial spores containedtherein to the extent that at least 1×10¹, 1×10², 1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵,1×10⁶, 1×10⁷, 1×10⁸, 1×10⁹, 1×10¹⁰, 1×10¹¹, 1×10¹² cfu/gram ormilliliter or more of the microbial spores survive when the inoculantcomposition is desiccated by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45,50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more and stored at 0, 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39and/or 40° C. and 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70,75, 80, 85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32,36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104weeks or more. In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure improve the survival of one or more of the microbialspores contained therein to the extent that at least 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵,1×10⁶, 1×10⁷ cfu/seed or more of the microbial spores survive when theinoculant composition is coated on a seed, dried and stored at 20, 21,22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and/or 30° C. and 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55,60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23,24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92,96, 100, 104 weeks or more.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosureimprove both the survival rate and one, two, three, four, five, six,seven, eight, nine, ten or more microbial stability characteristics ofthe microbial spore(s) contained therein.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosureimprove the dispersion of one or more microbial spores contained thereinby at least about 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40,45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120,125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to a control composition (e.g.,a control composition that is identical to the inoculant composition ofthe present disclosure except that it lacks one or more of thecomponents found in the inoculant composition and/or contains one ormore components not found in the inoculant composition of the presentdisclosure). For example, inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure may improve the dispersion of one or more of the microbialspores contained therein by at least about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35,40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120,125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to a control composition that isidentical to the inoculant composition except that lacks one or more ofthe protectants/dispersants found in the inoculant composition and/orcomprises a reduced amount of one or more of the protectants/dispersantsfound in the inoculant composition.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosureimprove the dispersion of one or more of the microbial spores containedtherein to the extent that at least about 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80,85, 90, 95% or more of the microbial spores are present as single spores(rather than as members of a clump comprising two or more microbialspores).

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may be used to improveany suitable microbial stability characteristic(s), including, but notlimited to, the ability of microbial spores therein to enhance plantyield after being coated on a seed and stored for a defined period oftime prior to planting the seed. For example, in some embodiments,inoculant compositions of the present disclosure improve the ability ofthe microbial spores therein to propagate and increase yield after beingcoated on a plant propagation material (e.g., seed) and stored at 0, 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21,22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39and/or 40° C. and 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70,75, 80, 85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32,36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104weeks or more.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable spores(s), including, but not limited to, the spores ofagriculturally beneficial microorganisms such as diazotrophs,phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms and biopesticides.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise spores from one or more Gram-negative bacteria.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise spores from one or more Gram-positive bacteria.

Non-limiting examples of bacterial spores that may be useful incompositions of the present disclosure include spores of Bacillusamyloliquefaciens D747, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NRRL B-50349,Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB24,Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens IN937a,Bacillus amyloliquefaciens IT-45, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000,Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MBI600, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BS27(deposited as NRRL B-5015), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BS2084 (depositedas NRRL B-50013), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 15AP4 (deposited as ATCCPTA-6507), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 3AP4 (deposited as ATCC PTA-6506),Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LSSA01 (deposited as NRRL B-50104), Bacillusamyloliquefaciens ABP278 (deposited as NRRL B-50634), Bacillusamyloliquefaciens 1013 (deposited as NRRL B-50509), Bacillusamyloliquefaciens 918 (deposited as NRRL B-50508), Bacillusamyloliquefaciens 22CP1 (deposited as ATCC PTA-6508) and Bacillusamyloliquefaciens BS18 (deposited as NRRL B-50633), Bacillus cereus1-1562, Bacillus firmus 1-1582, Bacillus lichenformis BA842 (depositedas NRRL B-50516), Bacillus lichenformis BL21 (deposited as NRRLB-50134), Bacillus mycoides NRRL B-21664, Bacillus pumilus NRRL B-21662,Bacillus pumilus NRRL B-30087, Bacillus pumilus ATCC 55608, Bacilluspumilus ATCC 55609, Bacillus pumilus GB34, Bacillus pumilus KFP9F,Bacillus pumilus QST 2808, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 55078, Bacillussubtilis ATCC 55079, Bacillus subtilis MBI 600, Bacillus subtilis NRRLB-21661, Bacillus subtilis NRRL B-21665, Bacillus subtilis CX-9060,Bacillus subtilis GB03, Bacillus subtilis GB07, Bacillus subtilisQST-713, Bacillus subtilis FZB24, Bacillus subtilis D747, Bacillussubtilis 3BP5 (deposited as NRRL B-50510), Bacillus thuringiensis ATCC13367, Bacillus thuringiensis GC-91, Bacillus thuringiensis NRRLB-21619, Bacillus thuringiensis ABTS-1857, Bacillus thuringiensis SAN401 I, Bacillus thuringiensis ABG-6305, Bacillus thuringiensis ABG-6346,Bacillus thuringiensis AM65-52, Bacillus thuringiensis SA-12, Bacillusthuringiensis SB4, Bacillus thuringiensis ABTS-351, Bacillusthuringiensis HD-1, Bacillus thuringiensis EG 2348, Bacillusthuringiensis EG 7826, Bacillus thuringiensis EG 7841, Bacillusthuringiensis DSM 2803, Bacillus thuringiensis NB-125, Bacillusthuringiensis NB-176 and combinations thereof, as well as spores ofmicroorganisms having at least at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%,97%, 98%, 99% or more identical to any of the aforementioned strains onthe basis of 16S rDNA sequence identity.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more fungal spores.

Non-limiting examples of fungal spores that may be useful incompositions of the present disclosure include spores of Gliocladiumvirens ATCC 52045, Gliocladium virens GL-21, Glomus infraradicesRTI-801, Metarhizium anisopliae F52, Penicillium bilaiae (formerly knownas P. bilaii and P. bilaji) ATCC 18309, Penicillium bilaiae ATCC 20851,Penicillium bilaiae ATCC 22348, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50162,Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50169, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50776,Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50777, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50778,Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50777, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50778,Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50779, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50780,Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50781, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50782,Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50783, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50784,Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50785, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50786,Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50787, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50788,Penicillium bilaiae RS7B-SD1, Penicillium brevicompactum AgRF18,Penicillium canescens ATCC 10419, Penicillium expansum ATCC 24692,Penicillium expansum YT02, Penicillium fellatanum ATCC 48694,Penicillium gaestrivorus NRRL 50170, Penicillium glabrum DAOM 239074,Penicillium glabrum CBS 229.28, Penicillium janthinellum ATCC 10455,Penicillium lanosocoeruleum ATCC 48919, Penicillium radicum ATCC 201836,Penicillium radicum FRR 4717, Penicillium radicum FRR 4719, Penicilliumradicum N93/47267, Penicillium raistrickii ATCC 10490, Trichodermaasperellum SKT-1, Trichoderma asperellum ICC 012, Trichoderma atrovirideLC52, Trichoderma atroviride CNCM 1-1237, Trichoderma fertile JM41R,Trichoderma gamsii ICC 080, Trichoderma hamatum ATCC 52198, Trichodermaharzianum ATCC 52445, Trichoderma harzianum KRL-AG2, Trichodermaharzianum T-22, Trichoderma harzianum TH-35, Trichoderma harzianum T-39,Trichoderma harzianum ICC012, Trichoderma reesi ATCC 28217, Trichodermavirens ATCC 57678, Trichoderma virens G1-3, Trichoderma virens GL-21,Trichoderma virens G-41, Trichoderma viridae ATCC 52440, Trichodermaviridae ICC080, Trichoderma viridae TV1 and combinations thereof, aswell as spores of microorganisms having at least at least 75%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more identical to any of theaforementioned strains on the basis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS)and/or cytochrome c oxidase (CO1) sequence identity.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise spores from one or more mycorrhizal fungi (e.g., one or moreendomycorrhizal fungi and/or one or more ectomycorrhizal fungi).

Non-limiting examples of mycorrhizal spores that may be useful incompositions of the present disclosure includespores of mycorrhizalstrains such as Gigaspora margarita, Glomus aggregatum, Glomusbrasilianum, Glomus clarum, Glomus deserticola, Glomus etunicatum,Glomus intraradices, Glomus monosporum, Glomus mosseae, Laccariabicolor, Laccaria laccata, Paraglomus brazilianum, Pisolithustinctorius, Rhizopogon amylopogon, Rhizopogon fulvigleba, Rhizopogonluteolus, Rhizopogon villosuli, Scleroderma cepa and Sclerodermacifrinum and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise spores from one or more diazotrophs.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise spores from one or more phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise spores from one or more biofungicides, bioherbicides,bioinsectides and/or bionematicides. See generally BURGES, FORMULATIONOF MICROBIAL BIOPESTICIDES: BENEFICIAL MICROORGANISMS, NEMATODES ANDSEED TREATMENTS (Springer Science & Business Media) (2012); HALL & MENN,BIOPESTICIDES: USE AND DELIVERY (Humana Press) (1998); McCoy, et al.,Entomogenous fungi, in CRC HANDBOOK OF NATURAL PESTICIDES. MICROBIALPESTICIDES, PART A. ENTOMOGENOUS PROTOZOA AND FUNGI (C. M. Inoffo, ed.),Vol. 5:151-236 (1988); SAMSON, et al., ATLAS OF ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGI(Springer-Verlag, Berlin) (1988); and deFaria and Wraight,Mycoinsecticides and Mycoacaricides: A comprehensive list with worldwidecoverage and international classification of formulation types, BIOL.CONTROL (2007), doi: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2007.08.001.

Microbial spores may be incorporated into inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s).

In some embodiments, microbial spores comprise about 0.1 to about 30%(by weight) of the inoculant composition. For example, inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3,0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3,3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30% or more(by weight) of one or more microbial spores. In some embodiments, themicrobial spore amount/concentration is about 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 to about5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23,24 or 25% (by weight) of the inoculant composition.

In some embodiments, microbial spores are present in an amount rangingfrom about 1×10¹ to about 1×10²⁰ colony-forming units (cfu) per gramand/or milliliter of inoculant composition. For example, inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 1×10¹, 1×10²,1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷, 1×10⁸, 1×10⁹, 1×10¹⁰, 1×10¹¹, 1×10¹²,1×10¹³, 1×10¹⁴, 1×10¹⁵ or more microbial spores per gram and/ormilliliter of inoculant composition (e.g., about 1×10⁴ to about 1×10⁹Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 (also known as 1BE, isolate ATCCBAA-390), Metarhizium anisopliae F52, Penicillium bilaiae ATCC 20851,Penicillium bilaiae RS7B-SD1 and/or Trichoderma virens G1-3 spores pergram/milliliter).

In some embodiments, the amount/concentration of spores is thatamount/concentration which is effective to enhance the yield of theplant or plant part to which the inoculant composition is applied.

Microbial spores may be produced by any suitable method(s), including,but not limited to, liquid fermentation and solid state fermentation.See, e.g., Cunningham et al., CAN. J. BOT. 68:2270 (1990); Friesen etal., APPL. MICROBIOL. BIOTECH. 68:397 (2005).

Although the primary foci of the present disclosure are compositions andmethods for enhancing the stability and/or survival of microbial spores,it is to be understood that inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure may comprise one or more microorganisms (e.g., diazotrophs,phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms and/or biopesticides) in avegetative state. See International Patent Application No.PCT/US2016/050529, the disclosure of each of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

Vegetative cells may be incorporated into inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s). In someembodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosure are devoidof vegetative cells.

In some embodiments, vegetative cells are present in an amount rangingfrom about 1×10¹ to about 1×10²⁰ colony-forming units (cfu) per gramand/or milliliter of inoculant composition. For example, inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 1×10¹, 1×10²,1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷, 1×10⁸, 1×10⁹, 1×10¹⁰, 1×10¹¹, 1×10¹²,1×10¹³, 1×10¹⁴, 1×10¹⁵ or more cfu of agriculturally beneficialmicroorganisms per gram and/or milliliter of inoculant composition.

In some embodiments, the amount/concentration of vegetative cells is anamount effective to enhance the yield of the plant or plant part towhich the inoculant composition is applied.

In some embodiments, the amount/concentration of vegetative cells is1×10¹, 1×10², 1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷, 1×10⁸, 1×10⁹, 1×10¹⁰,1×10¹¹, 1×10¹² or more cfu per gram/milliliter of inoculant composition.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable non-aqueous carrier(s), including, but not limited to,foliar-compatible carriers, seed-compatible carriers and soil-compatiblecarriers. Selection of appropriate carrier materials will depend on theintended application(s) and the microorganism(s) present in theinoculant composition.

In some embodiments, the carrier material(s) are selected to provide aninoculant composition in the form of a powder or granuale. For example,carrier materials may be selected to provide inoculant compositions thatare formulated as freeze-dried powders, spray-dried powders,spray-freeze-dried powders and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of solid carriers that may be useful incompositions of the present disclosure include disaccharides,maltodextrins, monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, peat-based powders andgranuales, and agriculturally acceptable polymers.

Additional examples of solid carriers that may be included in inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may be found in BURGES,FORMULATION OF MICROBIAL BIOPESTICIDES: BENEFICIAL MICROORGANISMS,NEMATODES AND SEED TREATMENTS (Springer Science & Business Media)(2012).

Carriers incorporated into inoculant compositons of the presentdisclosure may comprise a growth medium suitable for culturing one ormore of the microorganisms in the inoculant composition. For example, insome embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise Czapek-Dox medium, glycerol yeast extract, mannitol yeastextract, potato dextrose broth and/or YEM media.

The non-aqueous carrier may constitute any suitable portion of theinoculant composition. In some embodiments, the non-aqueous carrier(s)comprise(s) about 1 to about 99% (by weight) of the inoculantcomposition. For example, inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure, the non-aqueous carrier(s) constitue(s) about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80,85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 99.5% or more (by weight) of the inoculantcomposition. In some embodiments, the carrier amount/concentration isabout 50 to about 99%, about 55% to about 95%, about 60% to about 95%,about 65% to about 90%, about 70 to about 90%, about 75 to about 90%,about 80 to about 90% or about 80 to about 85% (by weight) of theinoculant composition. In some embodiments, inoculant compositions ofthe present disclosure comprise one or more commercial carriers used inaccordance with the manufacturer's recommended amounts/concentrations.

In some embodiments, the non-aqueous carrier comprises, consistsessentially of, or consists of one or more maltodextrins.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable maltodextrins, including, but not limited to, maltodextrinshaving a dextrose equivalent value (DEV) of about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25. Insome embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more maltodextrins having a DEV of about 5 to about 6,7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25,about 10 to about 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or25, or about 15 to about 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25. Insome embodiments, the non-aqueous carrier comprises a combination ofmaltodextrins having a DEV of about 5 to about 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25, about 10 to about 11,12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25, or about 15 toabout 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25. In some embodiments,the non-aqueous carrier comprises one or more maltodextrins having a DEVof about 10 to about 25 (e.g., one or more maltodextrins having a DEV ofabout 15 to about 20). In some embodiments, the non-aqueous carriercomprises a combination of maltodextrins having a DEV of about 10 toabout 25 (e.g., a combination of maltodextrins having a DEV of about 15to about 20).

Non-limiting examples of maltodextrins that may be useful incompositions of the present disclosure include MALTRIN® M150 (DEV=15;molecular weight=1200; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, Iowa),MALTRIN® M180 (DEV=18; molecular weight=1050; Grain ProcessingCorporation, Muscatine, Iowa), MALTRIN® M200 (DEV=20; molecularweight=900; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, Iowa), MALTRIN®M250 (DEV=25; molecular weight=720; Grain Processing Corporation,Muscatine, Iowa); MALTRIN QD® M580 (DEV=16.5-19.9; Grain ProcessingCorporation, Muscatine, Iowa); MALTRIN QD® M585 (DEV=15.0-19.9; GrainProcessing Corporation, Muscatine, Iowa); MALTRIN QD® M600(DEV=20.0-23.0; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, Iowa); GLOBE®Plus 15 DE (Ingredion Inc., Westchester, Ill.); and combinationsthereof. In some embodiments, the maltodextrin (or combination ofmaltodextrins) has a DEV of 15 to 20.

Maltodextrins may be incorporated into inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure in any suitable form. In some embodiments, themaltodextrin(s) included in inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure is/are at least 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96,97, 98, 99, 99.5% or more pure.

Maltodextrins may be incorporated into inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s). In someembodiments, the maltodextrin(s) comprise about 5 to about 99% or more(by weight) of the inoculant composition. For example, in someembodiments, the non-aqueous carrier comprises about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99%or more of one or more maltodextrins (each and/or collectively) having aDEV value of about 15 to about 20. In some embodiments, the maltodextrinamount/concentration is about 50 to about 95%, about 55% to about 90%,about 60% to about 85%, about 65% to about 80%, or about 70 to about 80%(by weight) of the non-aqueous carrier.

In some embodiments, the non-aqueous carrier comprises, consistsessentially of, or consists of one or more monosaccharides,disaccharides and/or oligosaccharides.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable monosaccharide, including, but limited to, allose, altrose,arabinose, fructose, galactose, glucose, gulose, iodose, lyxose,mannose, ribose, talose, threose and xylose. In some embodiments, thenon-aqueous carrier comprises glucose. In some embodiments, thenon-aqueous carrier does not compris glucose.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable disaccharide, including, but limited to, cellobiose,chitobiose, gentiobiose, gentiobiulose, isomaltose, kojibiose, lactose,lactulose, laminaribiose, maltose (e.g., maltose monohydrate, anhydrousmaltose), maltulose, mannobiose, melibiose, melibiulose, nigerose,palatinose, rutinose, mtinulose, sophorose, sucrose, trehalose, turanoseand xylobiose. In some embodiments, the the non-aqueous carriercomprises maltose. In some embodiments, the non-aqueous carriercomprises sucrose. In some embodiments, the non-aqueous carriercomprises trehalose. In some embodiments, the non-aqueous carrier doesnot comprise trehalose.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable oligosaccharide, including, but limited to,fructo-oligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides,mannon-oligosaccharides and raffinose.

Mono-, di- and/or oligosaccharides may be incorporated into inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure in any suitable form. In someembodiments, the mono-, di- and/or oligosaccharide(s) included ininoculant compositions of the present disclosure is/are at least 70, 75,80, 85, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 99.5% or more pure.

Mono-, di- and oligosaccharides may be incorporated into inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure in any suitableamount(s)/concentration(s). In some embodiments, the mono-, di- and/oroligosaccharide(s) comprise(s) about 5 to about 95% (by weight) of theinoculant composition. For example, in some embodiments, the non-aqueouscarrier comprises about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60,65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more (by weight) of one or more mono-,di- and/or oligosaccharides (e.g., maltose and/or trehalose). In someembodiments, the mono-, di- and/or oligosaccharide (e.g., maltose)amount/concentration is about 1 to about 65%, about 5% to about 20%,about 10% to about 25%, about 20% to about 50%, or about 30 to about 60%(by weight) of the non-aqueous carrier.

In some embodiments, the non-aqueous carrier comprises, consistsessentially of, or consists of one or more malt extracts.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable malt extract(s).

Malt extracts may be incorporated into inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure in any suitable form. In some embodiments, the maltextracts(s) included in inoculant compositions of the present disclosureis/are at least 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99,99.5% or more pure.

Malt extracts may be incorporated into inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s). In someembodiments, the malt extract(s) comprise(s) about 5 to about 95% (byweight) of the inoculant composition. For example, in some embodiments,the non-aqueous carrier comprises about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40,45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90% or more (by weight) of one ormore malt extracts. In some embodiments, the malt extractamount/concentration is about 50 to about 99%, about 55% to about 95%,about 60% to about 90%, about 65% to about 90%, or about 70 to about 90%(by weight) of the non-aqueous carrier.

In some embodiments, the non-aqueous carrier comprises, consistsessentially of, or consists of one or more peat-based powders and/orgranuales.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable peat-based powder(s) and/or granuale(s).

Peat-based powders and/or granuales extracts may be incorporated intoinoculant compositions of the present disclosure in any suitable form.In some embodiments, the peat-based powder(s) and/or granuale(s)included in inoculant compositions of the present disclosure is/are atleast 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 99.5% ormore pure.

Peat-based powders and/or granuales may be incorporated into inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure in any suitableamount(s)/concentration(s). In some embodiments, the peat-basedpowder(s) and/or granuale(s) comprise(s) about 5 to about 95% (byweight) of the inoculant composition. For example, in some embodiments,the non-aqueous carrier comprises about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40,45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more (by weight) of oneor more peat-based powders and/or granuales. In some embodiments, thepeat extract amount/concentration is about 50 to about 99%, about 55% toabout 95%, about 60% to about 90%, about 65% to about 90%, or about 70to about 90% (by weight) of the non-aqueous carrier.

In some embodiments, the non-aqueous carrier comprises, consistsessentially of, or consists of one or more agriculturally acceptablepolymers.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable agriculturally acceptable polymer(s), including, but notlimited to, biodegradable polymers and synthetic polymers. For example,in some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise agar, alginate, carrageenan, cellulose, guar gum, locust beangum, methylcellulose, pectin, polycaprolactone, polylactide, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, starchand xanthan gum.

Non-limiting examples of polymers that may be useful in compositions ofthe present disclosure include TICAXAN® xanthan powders, such asPRE-HYDRATED® TICAXAN® Rapid-3 Powder (TIC Gums, White Marsh, Md.) andcombinations thereof.

Additional examples of polymers that may be included in inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may be found in Pouci, et al. AM.J. AGRIC. BIOL. SCI. 3(1):299 (2008).

Agriculturally acceptable polymers may be incorporated into inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure in any suitableamount(s)/concentration(s). In some embodiments, the agriculturallyacceptable polymer(s) comprise(s) about 5 to about 95% (by weight) ofthe inoculant composition. For example, in some embodiments, thenon-aqueous carrier comprises about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45,50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more (by weight) of one ormore agriculturally acceptable polymers. In some embodiments, theagriculturally acceptable polymers amount/concentration is about 50 toabout 99%, about 55% to about 95%, about 60% to about 90%, about 65% toabout 90%, or about 70 to about 90% (by weight) of the non-aqueouscarrier.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more commercial polymers used in accordance with themanufacturer's recommended amounts/concentrations.

It is to be understood that monosaccharides, disaccharides,oligosaccharides, maltodextrins, malt extracts, agriculturallyacceptable polymers and peat-based powders/granuales may be combined toform dry non-aqueous carriers having beneficial properties, including,but not limited to, enhanced stabilization of microbial spores. Thus, insome embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise a dry non-aqueous carrier that comprises one or moremaltodextrins in combination with one or more mono-, di- and/oroligosaccharides, one or more sugar alcohols, one or more malt extracts,one or more agriculturally acceptable polymers and/or one or morepeat-based powders and/or granuales.

Maltodextins and mono-, di- and/or oligosaccharides may be incorporatedinto inoculant compositions of the present disclosure in any suitableratio(s). In some embodiments, the non-aqueous carrier has amaltodextrin:(mono-, di- and/or oligosaccharide) (e.g.,maltodextrin:maltose) ratio of about 1:99 to about 99:1 (by weight,based upon the respective weight percentages of the maltodextrin(s) andmono-, di- and/or oligosaccharide(s) in the non-aqueous carrier). Forexample, in some embodiments, the non-aqueous carrier has amaltodextrin:(mono-, di- and/or oligosaccharide) (e.g.,maltodextrin:maltose) ratio of about 5:95, 10:90, 15:85, 20:80, 25:75,30:70, 35:65, 40:60, 45:55, 50:50, 55:45, 60:40, 65:35, 70:30, 75:25,80:20, 85:15, 90:10, 95:5 or more. In some embodiments, themaltodextrin:(mono-, di- and/or oligosaccharide) (e.g.,maltodextrin:maltose) ratio is about 45:55 to about 95:5. Thus, in someembodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosure compriseone or more maltodextrins having a DEV of about 15 to about 20 and oneor more mono-, di- and/or oligosaccharides (e.g., maltose) in a ratio ofabout 45:55, 50:50, 55:45, 60:40, 65:35, 70:30, 75:25, 80:20, 85:15,90:10, 95:5.

Maltodextins and malt extracts may be incorporated into inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure in any suitable ratio(s). In someembodiments, the non-aqueous carrier has a maltodextrin:malt extractratio of about 1:99 to about 99:1 (by weight, based upon the respectiveweight percentages of the maltodextrin(s) and malt extract(s) in thenon-aqueous carrier). For example, in some embodiments, the non-aqueouscarrier has a maltodextrin:malt extract ratio of about 5:95, 10:90,15:85, 20:80, 25:75, 30:70, 35:65, 40:60, 45:55, 50:50, 55:45, 60:40,65:35, 70:30, 75:25, 80:20, 85:15, 90:10, 95:5 or more. In someembodiments, the maltodextrin:malt extract ratio is about 45:55 to about95:5. Thus, in some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure comprise one or more maltodextrins having a DEV of about 15to about 20 and one or more malt extracts in a ratio of about 45:55,50:50, 55:45, 60:40, 65:35, 70:30, 75:25, 80:20, 85:15, 90:10, 95:5.

Maltodextins and peat-based powders and/or granuales may be incorporatedinto inoculant compositions of the present disclosure in any suitableratio(s). In some embodiments, the non-aqueous carrier has amaltodextrin:peat powder/granuale ratio of about 1:99 to about 99:1 (byweight, based upon the respective weight percentages of themaltodextrin(s) and peat powder(s)/granuale(s) in the non-aqueouscarrier). For example, in some embodiments, the non-aqueous carrier hasa maltodextrin:peat powder/granuale ratio of about 5:95, 10:90, 15:85,20:80, 25:75, 30:70, 35:65, 40:60, 45:55, 50:50, 55:45, 60:40, 65:35,70:30, 75:25, 80:20, 85:15, 90:10, 95:5 or more. In some embodiments,the maltodextrin:peat powder/granuale ratio is about 45:55 to about95:5. Thus, in some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure comprise one or more maltodextrins having a DEV of about 15to about 20 and one or more peat-based powders and/or granuales in aratio of about 45:55, 50:50, 55:45, 60:40, 65:35, 70:30, 75:25, 80:20,85:15, 90:10, 95:5.

Non-aqueous carriers may be incorporated into inoculant compositions ofthe present disclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s).

In some embodiments, the non-aqueous carrier(s) comprise(s) about 5 toabout 99.9% (by weight) of the inoculant composition. For example, insome embodiments, the non-aqueous carrier(s) constitute(s) about 10, 15,20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97,98, 99, 99.5% or more (by weight) of the inoculant composition. In someembodiments, the non-aqueous carrier amount/concentration is about 50 toabout 99%, about 55% to about 95%, about 60% to about 95%, about 65% toabout 90%, about 70 to about 90%, about 75 to about 90%, about 80 toabout 90% or about 80 to about 85% (by weight) of the inoculantcomposition.

In some embodiments, the amount/concentration of the non-aqueouscarrier(s) in the inoculant composition is effective to ensure that atleast about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35,40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65% or more of the microbial spores/vegetative cellsin the inoculant composition survive following desiccation (of about 0,5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90,95% or more) and storage at 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60,65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23,24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92,96, 100, 104 weeks or more.

In some embodiments, the amount/concentration of the non-aqueouscarrier(s) in the inoculant composition is effective to ensure that atleast about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35,40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65% or more of the microbial spores/vegetative cellsin the inoculant composition survive following storage at 10, 15, 20,25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relativehumidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60,64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more commercial carriers used in accordance with themanufacturer's recommended amounts/concentrations.

In the interest of maximizing the teaching of the present applicationand without intending to be limited by any particular theory, applicantssubmit that the aforementioned carriers may enhance the stability andsurvival of microbial spores in an inoculant composition byencapsulating the microbial spores, thereby reducing their exposure toelements that would otherwise cause the spores to germinate ordestabilize. In such instan ces, the non-aqueous carrier may be referredto as a proctectant.

In some embodiments, the non-aqueous carrier at least partiallyencapsulate 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98,99% or more of the microbial spores in the inoculant composition. Forexample, in some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure comprise one or more monosaccharides, disaccharides,oligosaccharides, maltodextrins and/or malt extracts that fully orpartially encapsulate at least 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90 or 95%of the microbial spores in the inoculant composition.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable agriculturally acceptable dispersant(s), including, but notlimited to, surfactants and wetting agents.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more anionic surfactants. For example, in someembodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosure compriseone or more water-soluble anionic surfactants and/or one or morewater-insoluble anionic surfactants, optionally one or more anionicsurfactants selected from the group consisting of alkyl carboxylates(e.g., sodium stearate), alkyl sulfates (e.g., alkyl lauryl sulfate,sodium lauryl sulfate), alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl amido ethersulfates, alkyl aryl polyether sulfates, alkyl aryl sulfates, alkyl arylsulfonates, alkyl sulfonates, alkyl amide sulfonates, alkyl arylsulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl diphenyloxide sulfonate,alpha-olefin sulfonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonates, paraffinsulfonates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl ether sulfosuccinates,alkylamide sulfosuccinates, alkyl sulfosuccinamates, alkylsulfoacetates, alkyl phosphates, alkyl ether phosphates, acylsarconsinates, acyl isethionates, N-acyl taurates,N-acyl-N-alkyltaurates, benzene sulfonates, cumene sulfonates, dioctylsodium sulfosuccinate, ethoxylated sulfosuccinates, lignin sulfonates,linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, monoglyceride sulfates,perfluorobutanesulfonate, perfluorooctanesulfonate, phosphate ester,styrene acrylic polymers, toluene sulfonates and xylene sulfonates.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more cationic surfactants. For example, in someembodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosure compriseone or more pH-dependent amines and/or one or more quaternary ammoniumcations, optionally one or more cationic surfactants selected from thegroup consisting of alkyltrimethylammonium salts (e.g., cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, cetyl trimethylammonium chloride),cetylpyridinium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride,5-Bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane, dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride,cetrimonium bromide, dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide and/oroctenidine dihydrochloride.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more nonionic surfactants. For example, in someembodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosure compriseone or more water-soluble nonionic surfactants and/or one or morewater-insoluble nonionic surfactants, optionally one or more nonionicsurfactants selected from the group consisting of alcohol ethoxylates(e.g., TERGITOL™ 15-S surfactants, such as TERGITOL™15-S-9 (The DowChemical Company, Midland, Mich.)), alkanolamides, alkanolaminecondensates, carboxylic acid esters, cetostearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol,cocamide DEA, dodecyldimethylamine oxides, ethanolamides, ethoxylates ofglycerol ester and glycol esters, ethylene oxide polymers, ethyleneoxide-propylene oxide copolymers, glucoside alkyl ethers, glycerol alkylethers (e.g.), glycerol esters, glycol alkyl ethers (e.g.,polyoxyethylene glycol alkyl ethers, polyoxypropylene glycol alkylethers), glycol alkylphenol ethers (e.g., polyoxyethylene glycolalkylphenol ethers), glycol esters, monolaurin, pentaethylene glycolmonododecyl ethers, poloxamer, polyamines, polyglycerol polyricinoleate,polysorbate, polyoxyethylenated fatty acids, polyoxyethylenatedmercaptans, polyoxyethylenated polyoxyproylene glycols, polyoxyethyleneglycol sorbitan alkyl esters, polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycolcopolymers, polyoxyethylene glycol octylphenol ethers, polyvinylpynolidones, sugar-based alkyl polyglycosides, sulfoanylamides, sorbitanfatty acid alcohol ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid ester ethoxylates,sorbitan fatty acid ester and/or tertiary acetylenic glycols.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise at least one nonionic surfactant. In some embodiments,inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise at least onewater insoluble nonionic surfactant and at least one water solublenonionic surfactant. In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure comprise a combination of nonionic surfactants havinghydrocarbon chains of substantially the same length.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more zwitterionic surfactants. For example, in someembodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosure compriseone or more betaines and/or one or more sultaines, optionally one ormore zwitterionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate,cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine,phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and/orone or more sphingomyelins.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more soaps and/or organosilicone surfactants. Forexample, in some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure comprise one or more alkali metal salts of fatty acids.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more wetting agents. For example, in some embodiments,inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or morenaphthalene sulfonates, optionally one or more alkyl naphthalenesulfonates (e.g., sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate), one or moreisopropyl naphthalene sulfonates (e.g., sodium isopropyl naphthalenesulfonate) and/or one or more butyl naphthalene sulfonates (e.g., sodiumn-butyl naphthalene sulfonate).

Selection of appropriate surfactants will depend on the intendedapplication(s) and the microorganism(s) present in the inoculantcomposition. In general, the surfactant(s) will have low toxicity forthe microorganism(s) in the inoculant composition and for the plantpart(s) to which the inoculant composition is to be applied. In someembodiments, the surfactant(s) will be selected to wet and/or emulsifyone or more soils.

Non-limiting examples of dispersants that may be useful in compositionsof the present disclosure include Atlox™ (e.g., 4916, 4991; CrodaInternational PLC, Edison, N.J.), BIO-SOFT® (e.g., N series, such asN1-3, N1-7, N1-5, N1-9, N23-3, N2.3-6.5, N25-3, N25-7, N25-9, N91-2.5,N91-6, N91-8; Stepan Company, Northfield, Ill.), MAKON® nonionicsurfactants (e.g., DA-4, DA-6 and DA-9; Stepan Company, Northfield,Ill.), MORWET® powders (Akzo Nobel Surface Chemistry LLC, Chicago,Ill.), MULTIWET™ surfactants (e.g., MO-70R, MO-85P, MO-85P-PW-(AP);Croda International PLC, Edison, N.J.), SILWET® L-77 (Helena ChemicalCompany, Collierville, Tenn.), SPAN™ surfactants (e.g., 20, 40, 60, 65,80 and 85; Croda Inc., Edison N.J.), TAMOL™ dispersants (The DowChemical Company, Midland, Mich.), TERGITOL™ surfactants (e.g., 15-S-9,TMN-6, TMN-100× and XD; The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Mich.),TERSPERSE surfactants (e.g., 2001, 2020, 2100, 2105, 2158, 2700, 4894and 4896; Hunstman Corp., The Woodlands, Tex.), TRITON™ surfactants(e.g., X-100; The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Mich.), TWEEN®surfactants (e.g., TWEEN® 20, 21, 22, 23, 28, 40, 60, 61, 65, 80, 81 and85; Croda International PLC, Edison, N.J.) and combinations thereof.

Dispersants may be incorporated into inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s). In someembodiments, the dispersant(s) comprise(s) about 0.1 to about 25% (byweight) of the inoculant composition. For example, inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3,0.4, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8,8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 15, 20, 25% or more (by weight) of one or moredispersants. In some embodiments, the dispersant (s) comprise(s) about0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 or 1 to about 1, 1.5, 2,2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5 or 10% (byweight) of the inoculant composition.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more commercial wetting agents and/or one or moresurfactants used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendedamounts/concentrations.

Additional examples of dispersants that may be included in inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may be found in BAIRD & ZUBLENA.1993. SOIL FACTS: USING WETTING AGENTS (NONIONIC SURFACTANTS) ON SOIL(North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service Publication AG-439-25)(1993); BURGES, FORMULATION OF MICROBIAL BIOPESTICIDES: BENEFICIALMICROORGANISMS, NEMATODES AND SEED TREATMENTS (Springer Science &Business Media) (2012); MCCARTY, WETTING AGENTS (Clemson UniversityCooperative Extension Service Publication) (2001).

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable excipient(s), including, but not limited to, anti-freezingagents, drying agents, safeners and pH bufferss.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable agriculturally acceptable anti-freezing agent(s), including,but not limited to, ethylene glycol, glycerin, propylene glycol andurea.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more commercial anti-freezing agents used in accordancewith the manufacturer's recommended amounts/concentrations.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable agriculturally acceptable drying agent(s), including, but notlimited to, drying powders. For example, in some embodiments, inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure comprise calcium stearate, clay(e.g., attapulgite clay, montmorillonite clay), graphite, magnesiumstearate, magnesium sulfate, powdered milk, silica (e.g., fumed silica,hydrophobically-coated silica, precipitated silica), soy lecithin and/ortalc.

Non-limiting examples of drying agents that may be useful incompositions of the present disclosure include AEROSIL® hydrophobicfumed silica powders (Evonik Corporation, Parsippany, N.J.), BENTOLITE®powders (BYK-Chemie GmbH, Wesel, Germany), SIPERNAT® silica powders(Evonik Corporation, Parsippany, N.J.) and combinations thereof.

Additional examples of drying agents that may be included in inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may be found in BURGES,FORMULATION OF MICROBIAL BIOPESTICIDES: BENEFICIAL MICROORGANISMS,NEMATODES AND SEED TREATMENTS (Springer Science & Business Media)(2012).

Drying agents may be incorporated into inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s). In someembodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise about 0.5 to about 10 grams of drying powder per liter ofinoculant composition. For example, inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure may comprise about 0.5, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25,2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7,7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10 grams or more of drying powder per liter ofinoculant composition. In some embodiments, the amount/concentration ofdrying agent(s) comprise(s) calcium stearate, attapulgite clay,montmorillonite clay, graphite, magnesium stearate, silica (e.g., fumedsilica, hydrophobically-coated silica and/or precipitated silica) and/ortalc.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more commercial drying agents used in accordance withthe manufacturer's recommended amounts/concentrations.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable agriculturally acceptable dust suppressant(s), including, butnot limited to, adhesives, glycerin, mineral oils, paraffinic oils,vegetable oils and synthetic polymers. It is to be understood that somecompounds may act as both an adhesive and a dust suppressant. Indeed,the dust suppressant activity of many compounds arises from their abiltyto adhere dust partciles to other heavier particles. For example, insome embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more oils is used toadhere microbial spores in the inoculant composition to larger particlescomprising one or more maltodextrins.

Non-limiting examples of dust suppressants that may be useful incompositions of the present disclosure include ARENAPRO, BIORAIN andROADKILL (Dustkill LLC, Columbus, Ind.), BIO-SOFT® surfactants (e.g., Nseries, such as N1-3, N1-7, N1-5, N1-9, N23-3, N2.3-6.5, N25-3, N25-7,N25-9, N91-2.5, N91-6, N91- 8; Stepan Company, Northfield, Ill.),DURASOIL (Soilworks, LLC, Scottsdale, Ariz.), DUSGON (Dupont (Australia)Ltd, Macquarie Park, Australia), DUSTRX (Seaco Technologies, Inc.,Bakersfield, Calif.), SUN AG® oils (HollyFrontier Refining & Marketing,LLC, Plymouth Meeting, Pa.), SUNSPRAY® oils (e.g., 6N, 6E, 8N, 11N;HollyFrontier Refining & Marketing, LLC, Plymouth Meeting, Pa.),SUNSPRAY® ULTRA-FINE® oils (HollyFrontier Refining & Marketing, LLC,Plymouth Meeting, Pa.), TOMADOL® surfactants (e.g., 23-1, 23-3, 23-5,23-6.5; Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Allentown, Pa.) andcombinations thereof.

Dust suppressants may be incorporated into inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s).

In some embodiments, dust suppressants comprise about 0.1 to about 30%(by weight) of the inoculant composition. For example, inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3,0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3,3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10% or more (byweight) of one or more dust suppressants. In some embodiments, the dustsuppressant amount/concentration is about 1 to about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9 or 10%, about 1.5 to about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10%, about 2to about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10%, about 2.5 to about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9 or 10% or about 3 to about 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10% (by weight) ofthe inoculant composition.

It is to be understood that some compounds may act as both a dispersantand a dust suppressant. For example, in some embodiments, inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more surfactants,such as BIO-SOFT® N23-3, that disperse microorganisms within theinoculant composition and suppress dusting.

As noted above, the non-aqueous carrier in inoculant compositions of thepresent invention may act as a proctectant. It is to understood thatinoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise additionalprotectants.

Protectants may be incorporated into inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s).

In some embodiments, the protectant(s) comprise(s) about 0.1 to about25% (by weight) of the inoculant composition. For example, inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3,0.4, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8,8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 15, 20, 25% or more (by weight) of one or moreprotectants. In some embodiments, the protectant amount/concentration isabout 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 or 1 to about 1, 1.5,2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5 or 10%(by weight) of the inoculant composition.

In some embodiments, the protectant amount/concentration is effective toensure that at least about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15,20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65% or more of the microbialspores/vegetative cells in the inoculant composition survive followingstorage at 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80,85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40,44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeksor more.

In some embodiments, the protectant amount/concentration is effective toensure that at least about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15,20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65% or more of the microbialspores/vegetative cells in the inoculant composition survive followingdesiccation (of about 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60,65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more) and storage at 10, 15, 20, 25, 30,35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relative humidityfor a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68,72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more.

In some embodiments, the protectant amount/concentration is effective toensure that at least about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15,20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65% or more of the microbialspores/vegetative cells in the inoculant composition survive followingcryopreservation at or below −80° C. for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32,36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104weeks or more.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more sugar alcohols (e.g., sorbitol).

Sugar alcohols may be incorporated into inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s). In someembodiments, the sugar alcohol(s) comprise(s) about 0.005 to about 10%(by weight) of the inoculant composition. For example, inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.01, 0.02,0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3,0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5% ormore (by weight) of one or more sugar alcohols (e.g., sorbitol).

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more peat extracts.

Peat extracts may be incorporated into inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s). In someembodiments, the peat extract(s) comprise(s) about 0.1 to about 25% (byweight) of the inoculant composition. For example, inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3,0.4, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8,8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 15, 20, 25% or more (by weight) of one or more peatextracts. In some embodiments, the peat extract amount/concentration isabout 0.5 to about 10% (by weight) of the inoculant composition.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more peptones.

Peptones may be incorporated into inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s). In someembodiments, the peptone(s) comprise(s) about 0.1 to about 25% (byweight) of the inoculant composition. For example, inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3,0.4, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8,8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 15, 20, 25% or more (by weight) of one or morepeptones. In some embodiments, the peptone amount/concentration is about0.5 to about 10% (by weight) of the inoculant composition.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more skim milk extracts.

Skim milk extacts may be incorporated into inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure in any suitable amount/concentration. In someembodiments, skim milk extracts comprise about 0.1 to about 25% (byweight) of the inoculant composition. For example, inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3,0.4, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8,8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 15, 20, 25% or more (by weight) of skim milk extracts.In some embodiments, the skim milk extract amount/concentration is about0.5 to about 10% (by weight) of the inoculant composition.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more hygroscopic polymers. For example, inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may comprise one or morealbumins, alginates, celluloses, gums (e.g., cellulose gum, guar gum,gum arabic, gum combretum, xantham gum), methyl celluloses, nylons,pectins, polyacrylic acids, polycarbonates, polyethylene glycols (PEG),polyethylenimines (PEI), polylactides, polymethylacrylates (PMA),polyurethanes, polyvinyl alcohols (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidones (PVP),propylene glycols, sodium carboxymethyl celluloses and/or starches.

Non-limiting examples of hygroscopic polymers that may be useful incompositions of the present disclosure include AGRIMER™ polymers (e.g.,30, AL-10 LC, AL-22, AT/ATF, VA 3E, VA 3l, VA 5E, VA 5l, VA 6, VA 6E, VA7E, VA 7l, VEMA AN-216, VEMA AN-990, VEMA AN-1200, VEMA AN-1980, VEMAH-815MS; Ashland Specialty Ingredients, Wilmington, Del.), EASYSPERSE™polymers (Ashland Specialty Ingredients, Wilmington, Del.); DISCO™ AGpolymers (e.g., L-250, L-280, L-285, L-286, L-320, L-323, L-517, L-519,L-520, L800; Incotec Inc., Salinas, Calif.), KELZAN® polymers (Bri-ChemSupply Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, Calif.), SEEDWORX™ polymers (e.g., Bio200; Aginnovation, LLC, Walnut Groove, Calif.), TABULOSE® gels (e.g.,SC-580, SC-612, SC-613, SC-681; Blanver Farmoquimica, Boca Raton, Fla.),TICAXAN® xanthan powders (TIC Gums, White Marsh, Md.) and combinationsthereof.

Additional examples of hygroscopic polymers that may be included ininoculant compositions of the present disclosure may be found in Pouci,et al. AM. J. AGRIC. BIOL. SCI. 3(1):299 (2008).

Hygroscopic polymers may be incorporated into inoculant compositions ofthe present disclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s). Insome embodiments, the hygroscopic polymer(s) comprise(s) about 0.1 toabout 25% (by weight) of the inoculant composition. In some embodiments,the hygroscopic polymer(s) comprise(s) about 0.5 to about 1, 1.5, 2,2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5 or 10% (byweight) of the inoculant composition. For example, inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3,0.4, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8,8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 15, 20, 25% or more (by weight) of one or morehygroscopic polymers. In some embodiments, the hygroscopic polymeramount/concentration is about 0.5 to about 10% (by weight) of theinoculant composition. In some embodiments, the hygroscopic polymeramount/concentration is about 0.5 to about 5% (by weight) of theinoculant composition.

In some embodiments, the hygroscopic polymer amount/concentration iseffective to ensure that at least about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65% or more of themicrobial spores in the inoculant composition survive following storageat 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% ormore relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44,48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks ormore.

In some embodiments, the hygroscopic polymer amount/concentration iseffective to ensure that at least about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65% or more of themicrobial spores in the inoculant composition survive followingdesiccation (of about 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60,65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more) and storage at 10, 15, 20, 25, 30,35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relative humidityfor a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68,72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more.

In some embodiments, the hygroscopic polymer amount/concentration iseffective to ensure that at least about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65% or more of themicrobial spores in the inoculant composition survive followingcryopreservation at or below −80° C. for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32,36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104weeks or more.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more commercial hygroscopic polymers used in accordancewith the manufacturer's recommended amounts/concentrations.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more oxidation control components.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable oxidation control component(s), including, but not limited to,antioxidants and/or oxygen scavengers. In some embodiments, theoxidation control component is/comprises ascorbic acid and/orglutathione.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions comprise one or moreantioxidants. For example, in some embodiments, inoculant compositionsof the present disclosure comprise ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate,ascorbyl stearate, calcium ascorbate, carotenoids, lipoic acid, phenoliccompounds (e.g., flavonoids, flavones, flavonols), potassium ascorbate,sodium ascorbate, thiols (e.g., glutathione, lipoic acid, N-acetylcysteine), tocopherols, tocotrienols, ubiquinone and/or uric acid.

Non-limiting examples of antioxidants that may be useful in compositionsof the present disclosure include those that are soluble in the cellmembrane (e.g., alpha tocopherol (vitamin E), ascorbyl palmitate), thosethat are soluble in alcohols (e.g., IRGANOX® antioxidants (BASF SchweizAG, Basel, Switzerland)) and those that are soluble in water (e.g.,ascorbic acid and isomers or ascorbic acid, sodium or potassium salts ofascorbic acid or isomers or ascorbic acid, glutathione, sodium orpotassium salts of glutathione). In some embodiments, use of amembrane-soluble antioxidant necessitates the addition of one or moresurfactants to adequately disperse the antioxidant within the inoculantcomposition.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more commercial antioxidants used in accordance with themanufacturer's recommended amounts/concentrations.

In some emboodiments, inoculant compositions comprise one or morenaturally occurring or synthetic oxygen scavengers. For example, in someembodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosure compriseascorbic acid, ascorbate salts, catechol and/or sodium hydrogencarbonate.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more commercial oxygen scavengers used in accordancewith the manufacturer's recommended amounts/concentrations.

Oxidation control components may be incorporated into inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure in any suitableamount(s)/concentration(s).

In some embodiments, the oxidation control component(s) comprise(s)about 0.0001 to about 5% or more (by weight) of the composition. Forexample, inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may compriseabout 0.0005, 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.0075, 0.01, 0.02,0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3,0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5% ormore of one or more oxidation control components. In some embodiments,the amount/concentration of oxidation control components is about 0.005to about 2% (by weight) of the composition. In some embodiments, theoxidation control component(s) is/are present in a concentration rangingfrom about 1×10⁻²⁰ M to about 1×10⁻¹ M. For example, one or moreoxidation control components may be added at a concentration of 1×10⁻²⁰M, 1×10⁻¹⁹ M, 1×10⁻¹⁸ M, 1×10⁻¹⁷ M, 1×10⁻¹⁶ M, 1×10⁻¹⁵ M, 1×10⁻¹⁴M,1×10⁻¹³ M, 1×10⁻¹² M, 1×10⁻¹¹ M, 1×10⁻¹⁰ M, 1×10⁻⁹ M, 1×10⁻⁸ M, 1×10⁻⁷M, 1×10⁻⁶ M, 1×10⁻⁵ M, 1×10⁻⁴ M, 1×10⁻³ M, 1×10⁻² M, 1×10⁻¹ M or more.

In some embodiments, the amount/concentration of oxidation controlcomponents is effective to ensure that at least about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1,0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65% ormore of the microbial spores in the inoculant composition survivefollowing storage at 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70,75, 80, 85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32,36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104weeks or more.

In some embodiments, the amount/concentration of oxidation controlcomponents is effective to ensure that at least about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1,0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65% ormore of the microbial spores in the inoculant composition survivefollowing desiccation (of about 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45,50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more) and storage at 10, 15,20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relativehumidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60,64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more.

In some embodiments, the amount/concentration of oxidation controlcomponents is effective to ensure that at least about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1,0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65% ormore of the microbial spores in the inoculant composition survivefollowing cryopreservation at or below −80° C. for a period of 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23,24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92,96, 100, 104 weeks or more.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable safener(s), including, but not limited to, napthalic anhydride.

Safeners may be incorporated into inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s).

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more commercial safeners used in accordance with themanufacturer's recommended amounts/concentrations.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable pH buffer(s), including, but not limited to, potassiumphosphate monobasic and potassium phosphate dibasic.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable adhesive(s), including, but not limited to, adhesivecompositions comprising one or more maltodextrins and/or one or moremono-, di- or oligosaccharides. Inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure may be formulated into any suitable type of composition,including, but not limited to, seed coatings, soil inoculants and foliarinoculants.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable anti-settling agent(s), including, but not limited to,polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohols with different degrees ofhydrolysis, polyvinylpyrrolidones, polyacrylates, acrylate-, polyol- orpolyester-based paint system binders which are soluble or dispersible inwater, moreover copolymers of two or more monomers such as acrylic acid,methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, maleicanhydride, vinylpyrrolidone, ethylenically unsaturated monomers such asethylene, butadiene, isoprene, chloroprene, styrene, divinylbenzene,ot-methylstyrene or p-methylstyrene, further vinyl halides such as vinylchloride and vinylidene chloride, additionally vinyl esters such asvinyl acetate, vinyl propionate or vinyl stearate, moreover vinyl methylketone or esters of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with monohydricalcohols or polyols such as methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethylacrylate, ethylene methacrylate, lauryl acrylate, lauryl methacrylate,decyl acrylate, N,N-dimethylamino-ethyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate or glycidyl methacrylate,furthermore diethyl esters or monoesters of unsaturated dicarboxylicacids, furthermore (meth)acrylamido-N-methylol methyl ether, amides ornitriles such as acrylamide, methacrylamide, N-methylol(meth)acrylamide,acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, and also N-substituted maleiraides andethers such as vinyl butyl ether, vinyl isobutyl ether or vinyl phenylether, and combinations thereof.

Anti-settling agents may be incorporated into inoculant compositions ofthe present disclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s). Insome embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise about 0.0001 to about 10% or more (by weight) of thecomposition. For example, inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure may comprise about 0.0005, 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005,0.0075, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15,0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3,3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10% or more of oneor more anti-settling agents. In some embodiments, theamount/concentration of anti-settling agents is about 0.01 to about 5%(by weight) of the composition.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more commercial anti-settling agents used in accordancewith the manufacturer's recommended amounts/concentrations.

As noted above, inoculant compositions of the present invention maycomprise myriad agriculturally beneficial microbial spores. It is tounderstood that inoculant compositions of the present disclosure maycomprise other agriculturally beneficial constituents such asbiostimulants, microbial extracts, nutrients, pesticides and plantsignal molecules.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable biostimulant(s), including, but not limited to, seaweedextracts (e.g., Ascophyllum nodosum extracts, such as alginate, Eckloniamaxima extracts, etc.), humic acids (e.g., potassium humate), fulvicacids, myo-inositol, glycine and combinations thereof.

Biostimulants may be incorporated into inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s). In someembodiments, the biostimulant(s) comprise(s) about 0.01 to about 5% (byweight) of the inoculant composition. For example, inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.01, 0.02,0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3,0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95,1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4,2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9,4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5% or more (by weight)of one or more biostimulants. In some embodiments, the biostimulant(s)comprise(s) about 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09,0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7,0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1 to about 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6,1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1,3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6,4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5% (by weight) of the inoculant composition.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable microbial extract(s), including, but not limited to, bacterialextracts (e.g., extracts of media comprising one or more diazotrophs,phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms and/or biopesticides), fungalextracts and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more Azospirillumextracts (e.g., an extract of media comprising A. brasilense INTAAz-39), one or more Bradyrhizobium extracts (e.g., an extract of mediacomprising B. elkanii SEMIA 501, B. elkanii SEMIA 587, B. elkanii SEMIA5019, B. japonicum NRRL B-50586 (also deposited as NRRL B-59565), B.japonicum NRRL B-50587 (also deposited as NRRL B-59566), B. japonicumNRRL B-50588 (also deposited as NRRL B-59567), B. japonicum NRRL B-50589(also deposited as NRRL B-59568), B. japonicum NRRL B-50590 (alsodeposited as NRRL B-59569), B. japonicum NRRL B-50591 (also deposited asNRRL B-59570), B. japonicum NRRL B-50592 (also deposited as NRRLB-59571), B. japonicum NRRL B-50593 (also deposited as NRRL B-59572), B.japonicum NRRL B-50594 (also deposited as NRRL B-50493), B. japonicumNRRL B-50608, B. japonicum NRRL B-50609, B. japonicum NRRL B-50610, B.japonicum NRRL B-50611, B. japonicum NRRL B-50612, B. japonicum NRRLB-50726, B. japonicum NRRL B-50727, B. japonicum NRRL B-50728, B.japonicum NRRL B-50729, B. japonicum NRRL B-50730, B. japonicum SEMIA566, B. japonicum SEMIA 5079, B. japonicum SEMIA 5080, B. japonicum USDA6, B. japonicum USDA 110, B. japonicum USDA 122, B. japonicum USDA 123,B. japonicum USDA 127, B. japonicum USDA 129 and/or B. japonicum USDA532C), one or more Rhizobium extracts (e.g., an extract of mediacomprising R. leguminosarum SO12A-2), one or more Sinorhizobium extracts(e.g., an extract of media comprising S. fredii CCBAU114 and/or S.fredii USDA 205), one or more Penicillium extracts (e.g., an extract ofmedia comprising P. bilaiae ATCC 18309, P. bilaiae ATCC 20851, P.bilaiae ATCC 22348, P. bilaiae NRRL 50162, P. bilaiae NRRL 50169, P.bilaiae NRRL 50776, P. bilaiae NRRL 50777, P. bilaiae NRRL 50778, P.bilaiae NRRL 50777, P. bilaiae NRRL 50778, P. bilaiae NRRL 50779, P.bilaiae NRRL 50780, P. bilaiae NRRL 50781, P. bilaiae NRRL 50782, P.bilaiae NRRL 50783, P. bilaiae NRRL 50784, P. bilaiae NRRL 50785, P.bilaiae NRRL 50786, P. bilaiae NRRL 50787, P. bilaiae NRRL 50788, P.bilaiae RS7B-SD1, P. brevicompactum AgRF18, P. canescens ATCC 10419, P.expansum ATCC 24692, P. expansum YT02, P. fellatanum ATCC 48694, P.gaestrivorus NRRL 50170, P. glabrum DAOM 239074, P. glabrum CBS 229.28,P. janthinellum ATCC 10455, P. lanosocoeruleum ATCC 48919, P. radicumATCC 201836, P. radicum FRR 4717, P. radicum FRR 4719, P. radicumN93/47267 and/or P. raistrickii ATCC 10490), one or more Pseudomonasextracts (e.g., an extract of media comprising P. jessenii PS06), one ormore acaricidal, insecticidal and/or nematicidal extracts (e.g., anextract of media comprising Bacillus firmus 1-1582, Bacillus mycoidesAQ726, NRRL B-21664; Beauveria bassiana ATCC-74040, Beauveria bassianaATCC-74250, Burkholderia sp. A396 sp. nov. rinojensis, NRRL B-50319,Chromobacterium subtsugae NRRL B-30655, Chromobacterium vaccinii NRRLB-50880, Flavobacterium H492, NRRL B-50584, Metarhizium anisopliae F52(also known as Metarhizium anisopliae strain 52, Metarhizium anisopliaestrain 7, Metarhizium anisopliae strain 43 and Metarhizium anisopliaeBIO-1020, TAE-001; deposited as DSM 3884, DSM 3885, ATCC 90448, SD 170and ARSEF 7711) and/or Paecilomyces fumosoroseus FE991), and/or one ormore fungicidal extracts (e.g., an extract of media comprisingAmpelomyces quisqualis AQ 100 (Intrachem Bio GmbH & Co. KG, Germany),Aspergillus flavus AFLA-GUARD® (Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc., CH),Aureobasidium pullulans BOTECTOR® (bio-ferm GmbH, Germany), BacilluspumilusAQ717 (NRRL B-21662), Bacillus pumilus NRRL B-30087, BacillusAQ175 (ATCC 55608), Bacillus AQ177 (ATCC 55609), Bacillus subtilis AQ713(NRRL B-21661), Bacillus subtilis AQ743 (NRRL B-21665), Bacillusamyloliquefaciens FZB24, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NRRL B-50349,Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 (also known as 1BE, isolate ATCCBAA-390), Bacillus thuringiensis AQ52 (NRRL B-21619), Candida oleophila1-82 (e.g., ASPIRE® from Ecogen Inc., USA), Candida saitoana BIOCURE®(in mixture with lysozyme; BASF, USA) and BIOCOAT® (AiystaLife Science,Ltd., Cary, N.C.), Clonostachys rosea f catenulata (also referred to asGliocladium catenulatum) J1446 (PRESTOP®, Verdera, Finland),Coniothyrium minitans CONTANS® (Prophyta, Germany), Cryphonectriaparasitica (CNICM, France), Cryptococcus albidus YIELD PLUS® (AnchorBio-Technologies, South Africa), Fusarium oxysporum BIOFOX® (fromS.I.A.P.A., Italy) and FUSACLEAN® (Natural Plant Protection, France),Metschnikowia fructicola SHEMER® (Agrogreen, Israel), Microdochiumdimerum ANTIBOT® (Agrauxine, France), Muscodor albus NRRL 30547,Muscodor roseus NRRL 30548, Phlebiopsis gigantea ROTSOP® (Verdera,Finland), Pseudozyma flocculosa SPORODEX® (Plant Products Co. Ltd.,Canada), Pythium oligandrum DV74 (POLYVERSUM®, Remeslo SSRO,Biopreparaty, Czech Rep.), Reynoufria sachlinensis (e.g., REGALIA® fromMarrone Biolnnovations, USA), Streptomyces NRRL B-30145, StreptomycesM1064, Sfreptomyces galbus NRRL 30232, Streptomyces lydicus WYEC 108(ATCC 55445), Streptomyces violaceusniger YCED 9 (ATCC 55660;DE-THATCH-9®, DECOMP-9® and THATCH CONTROL®, Idaho Research Foundation,USA), Streptomyces WYE 53 (ATCC 55750; DE-THATCH-9®, DECOMP-90 andTHATCH CONTROL®, Idaho Research Foundation, USA), Talaromyces flavusV117b (PROTUS®, Prophyta, Germany), Trichoderma asperellum SKT-1(ECO-HOPE®, Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Japan), Trichodermaatroviride LC52 (SENTINEL®, Agrimm Technologies Ltd, NZ), Trichodermaharzianum T-22 (PLANTSHIELD®, der Firma BioWorks Inc., USA), Trichodermaharzianum TH-35 (ROOT PRO®, from Mycontrol Ltd., Israel), Trichodermaharzianum T-39 (TRICHODEX®, Mycontrol Ltd., Israel; TRICHODERMA 2000®,Makhteshim Ltd., Israel), Trichoderma harzianum ICC012 and Trichodermaviride TRICHOPEL (Agrimm Technologies Ltd, NZ), Trichoderma harzianumICC012 and Trichoderma viride ICC080 (REMEDIER® WP, Isagro Ricerca,Italy), Trichoderma polysporum and Trichoderma harzianum (BINAB®, BINABBio-Innovation AB, Sweden), Trichoderma sfromaticum TRICOVAB®(C.E.P.L.A.C., Brazil), Trichoderma virens GL-21 (SOILGARD®, Certis LLC,USA), Trichoderma virens G1-3, ATCC 57678, Trichoderma virens G1-21(Thermo Trilogy Corporation, Wasco, Calif.), Trichoderma virens G1-3 andBacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB2, Trichoderma virens G1-3 and Bacillusamyloliquefaciens NRRL B-50349, Trichoderma virens G1-3 and Bacillusamyloliquefaciens TJ1000, Trichoderma virens G1-21 and Bacillusamyloliquefaciens FZB24, Trichoderma virens G1-21 and Bacillusamyloliquefaciens NRRL B-50349, Trichoderma virens G1-21 and Bacillusamyloliquefaciens TJ1000, Trichoderma viride TRIECO® (Ecosense Labs.(India) Pvt. Ltd., Indien, BIO-CURE® F from T. Stanes & Co. Ltd.,Indien), Trichoderma viride TV1 (Agribiotec srl, Italy), Trichodermaviride ICC080, and/or Ulocladium oudemansii HRU3 (BOTRY-ZEN®, Botry-ZenLtd, NZ)).

Microbial extracts may be incorporated into inoculant compositions ofthe present disclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s). Insome embodiments, the microbial extract(s) comprise(s) about 0.01 toabout 5% (by weight) of the inoculant composition. For example,inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2,0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85,0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2,2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7,3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5% or more (byweight) of one or more microbial extracts. In some embodiments, themicrobial extract(s) comprise(s) about 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05,0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5,0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1 to about 1, 1.1,1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6,2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1,4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5% (by weight) of the inoculantcomposition.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable nutrient(s), including, but not limited to, organic acids(e.g., acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, taurine,etc.), macrominerals (e.g., phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, potassium,sodium, iron, etc.), trace minerals (e.g., boron, cobalt, chloride,chromium, copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum,selenium, zinc, etc.), vitamins, (e.g., vitamin A, vitamin B complex(i.e., vitamin B₁, vitamin B₂, vitamin B₃, vitamin B₅, vitamin B₆,vitamin B₇, vitamin B₈, vitamin B₉, vitamin B₁₂, choline) vitamin C,vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene,cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin, etc.) and combinationsthereof. In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure comprise phosphorous, boron, chlorine, copper, iron,manganese, molybdenum and/or zinc.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable pesticide(s), including, but not limited to, fungicides,herbicides, insecticides, and nematicides. In some embodiments,inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or morebiopesticides (e.g., one or more biofungicides, bioinsecticides and/orbionematicides).

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable insecticide(s), including, but not limited to, biologicalinsecticides and chemical insecticides. Insecticides may be selected soas to provide effective control against a broad spectrum of insects,including, but not limited to, insects from the orders Coleoptera,Dermaptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Homoptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera,Orthoptera and Thysanoptera. For example, inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure may comprise one or more insecticides toxic toinsects from the families Acrididae, Aleytodidae, Anobiidae,Anthomyiidae, Aphididae, Bostrichidae, Bruchidae, Cecidomyiidae,Cerambycidae, Cercopidae, Chiysomelidae, Cicadellidae, Coccinellidae,Cryllotalpidae, Cucujidae, Curculionidae, Dermestidae, Elateridae,Gelechiidae, Lygaeidae, Meloidae, Membracidae, Miridae, Noctuidae,Pentatomidae, Pyralidae, Scarabaeidae, Silvanidae, Spingidae,Tenebrionidae and/or Thripidae.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise an insecticide (or combination of insecticides) that is toxicto one or more species of Acalymma, Acanthaoscelides (e.g., A.obtectus), Anasa (e.g., A. tristis), Anastrepha (e.g., A. ludens),Anoplophora (e.g., A. glabripennis), Anthonomus (e.g., A. eugenii),Acyrthosiphon (e.g., A. pisum), Bactrocera (e.g. B. dosalis), Bemisia(e.g., B. argentifolii, B. tabaci), Brevicoryne (e.g., B. brassicae),Bruchidius (e.g., B. afrolineatus), Bruchus (e.g., B. atomarius, B.dentipes, B. lentis, B. pisorum and/or B. rufipes), Callosobruchus(e.g., C. chinensis, C. maculatus, C. rhodesianus, C. subinnotatus, C.theobromae), Caryedon (e.g., C. serratus), Cassadinae, Ceratitis (e.g.,C. capitata), Chrysomelinae, Circulifer (e.g., C. tenellus),Criocerinae, Cryptocephalinae, Cryptolestes (e.g., C. ferrugineus, C.pusillis, C. pussilloides), Cylas (e.g., C. formicarius), Delia (e.g.,D. antiqua), Diabrotica, Diaphania (e.g., D. nitidalis), Diaphorina(e.g., D. citri), Donaciinae, Ephestia (e.g, E. cautella, E. elutella,E., keuhniella), Epilachna (e.g., E. varivesfris), Epiphyas (e.g., E.postvittana), Eumolpinae, Galerucinae, Helicoverpa (e.g., H. zea),Heteroligus (e.g., H. meles), Iobesia (e.g., I. bofrana),Lamprosomatinae, Lasioderma (e.g., L. serricorne), Leptinotarsa (e.g.,L. decemlineata), Leptoglossus, Liriomyza (e.g., L. trifolii), Manducca,Melittia (e.g., M. cucurbitae), Myzus (e.g., M. persicae), Nezara (e.g.,N. viridula), Orzaephilus (e.g., O. merator, O. surinamensis), Ostrinia(e.g., O. nubilalis), Phthorimaea (e.g., P. operculella), Pieris (e.g.,P. rapae), Plodia (e.g., P. interpunctella), Plutella (e.g., P.xylostella), Popillia (e.g., P. japonica), Prostephanus (e.g., P.truncates), Psila, Rhizopertha (e.g., R. dominica), Rhopalosiphum (e.g.,R. maidis), Sagrinae, Solenopsis (e.g., S. Invicta), Spilopyrinae,Sitophilus (e.g., S. granaries, S. oryzae and/or S. zeamais), Sitofroga(e.g., S. cerealella), Spodoptera (e.g., S. frugiperda), Stegobium(e.g., S. paniceum), Synetinae, Tenebrio (e.g., T. malens and/or T.molitor), Thrips (e.g., T. tabaci), Trialeurodes (e.g., T.vaporariorum), Tribolium (e.g., T. castaneum and/or T. confusum),Trichoplusia (e.g., T. ni), Trogoderma (e.g., T. granarium) andTrogossitidae (e.g., T. mauritanicus).

Additional species of insects that may be targeted by inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may be found in CAPINERA,HANDBOOK OF VEGETABLE PESTS (2001) and Steffey and Gray, Managing InsectPests, in ILLINOIS AGRONOMY HANDBOOK (2008).

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable nematicide(s) including, but not limited to, biologicalnematicides and chemical nematicides. Nematicides may be selected so asto provide effective control against a broad spectrum of nematodes,including, but not limited to, phytoparasitic nematodes from the classesChromadorea and Enoplea.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise a nematicide (or combination of nematicides) that is toxic toone or more strains of Anguina, Aphelenchoides, Belonolaimus,Bursaphelenchus, Ditylenchus, Globodera, Helicotylenchus, Heterodera,Hirschmanniella, Meloidogyne, Naccobus, Pratylenchus, Radopholus,Rotylenshulus, Trichodorus, Tylenchulus and/or Xiphinema.

Additional examples of nematodes that may be targeted by inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may be found in CAPINERA,HANDBOOK OF VEGETABLE PESTS (2001) and Niblack, Nematodes, in ILLINOISAGRONOMY HANDBOOK (2008).

As discussed above, inoculant compositions of the present disclosure maycomprise one or more biological insecticides and/or nematicides (i.e.,one or more microorganisms the presence and/or output of which is toxicto an acarid, insect and/or nematode).

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more chemical insecticides and/or nematicides. Forexample, in some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure comprise one or more carbamates, diamides, macrocycliclactones, neonicotinoids, organophosphates, phenylpyrazoles, pyrethrins,spinosyns, synthetic pyrethroids, tetronic acids and/or tetramic acids.

Non-limiting examples of chemical insecticides and nematicides that maybe useful in inoculant compositions of the present disclosure includeacrinathrin, alpha-cypermethrin, betacyfluthrin, cyhalothrin,cypermethrin, deltamethrin, csfenvalcrate, etofenprox, fenpropathrin,fenvalerate, flucythrinate, fosthiazate, lambda-cyhalothrin,gamma-cyhalothrin, permethrin, tau-fluvalinate, transfluthrin,zeta-cypermethrin, cyfluthri, bifenthrin, tefluthrin, eflusilanat,fubfenprox, pyrethrin, resmethrin, imidacloprid, acetamiprid,thiamethoxam, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, dinotefuran, clothianidin,imidaclothiz, chlorfluazuron, diflubenzuron, lufenuron, teflubenzuron,triflumuron, novaluron, flufenoxuron, hexaflumuron, bistrifluoron,noviflumuron, buprofezin, cyromazine, methoxyfenozide, tebufenozide,halofenozide, chromafenozide, endosulfan, fipronil, ethiprole,pyrafluprole, pyriprole, flubendiamide, chlorantraniliprole (e.g.,Rynaxypyr), cyazypyr, emamectin, emamectin benzoate, abamectin,ivermectin, milbemectin, lepimectin, tebufenpyrad, fenpyroximate,pyridaben, fenazaquin, pyrimidifen, tolfenpyrad, dicofol, cyenopyrafen,cyflumetofen, acequinocyl, fluacrypyrin, bifenazate, diafenthiuron,etoxazole, clofentezine, spinosad, triarathen, tetradifon, propargite,hexythiazox, bromopropylate, chinomethionat, amitraz, pyrifluquinazon,pymetrozine, flonicamid, pyriproxyfen, diofenolan, chlorfenapyr,metaflumizone, indoxacarb, chlorpyrifos, spirodiclofen, spiromesifen,spirotetramat, pyridalyl, spinctoram, acephate, triazophos, profenofos,oxamyl, spinetoram, fenamiphos, fenamipclothiahos,4-{[(6-chloropyrid-3-yl)methyl](2,2-difluoroethyl)amino}furan-2(5H)-one, cadusaphos, carbaryl,carbofuran, ethoprophos, thiodicarb, aldicarb, aldoxycarb, metamidophos,methiocarb, sulfoxaflor, cyantraniliprole and tioxazafen andcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure comprise abamectin, aldicarb, aldoxycarb, bifenthrin,carbofuran, chlorantraniliporle, chlothianidin, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin,cypermethrin, cyantraniliprole, deltamethrin, dinotefuran, emamectin,ethiprole, fenamiphos, fipronil, flubendiamide, fosthiazate,imidacloprid, ivermectin, lambda-cyhalothrin, milbemectin, nitenpyram,oxamyl, permethrin, spinetoram, spinosad, spirodichlofen, spirotetramat,tefluthrin, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam and/or thiodicarb. In someembodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprisean insecticide selected from the group consisting of clothianidin,thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, cyantraniliprole, chlorantraniliprole,fluopyram and tioxazafen.

Additional examples of insecticides and nematicides that may be includedin inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may be found inSteffey and Gray, Managing Insect Pests, in ILLINOIS AGRONOMY HANDBOOK(2008) and Niblack, Nematodes, in ILLINOIS AGRONOMY HANDBOOK (2008).

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more commercial insecticides and nematicides used inaccordance with the manufacturer's recommended amounts/concentrations.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable fungicide(s), including, but not limited to, biologicalfungicides and chemical fungicides. Fungicides may be selected so as toprovide effective control against a broad spectrum of phytopathogenicfungi (and fungus-like organisms), including, but not limited to,soil-borne fungi from the classes Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes,Chytridiomycetes, Deuteromycetes (syn. Fungi imperfecti),Peronosporomycetes (syn. Oomycetes), Plasmodiophoromycetes andZygomycetes.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise a fungicide (or combination of fungicides) that is toxic to oneor more strains of Albugo (e.g., A. candida), Alternaria (e.g. A.alternata), Aspergillus (e.g., A. candidus, A. clavatus, A. flavus, A.fumigatus, A. parasiticus, A. resfrictus, A. sojae, A. solani), Blumeria(e.g., B. graminis), Botrytis (e.g., B. cinerea), Cladosporum (e.g., C.cladosporioides), Colletotrichum (e.g., C. acutatum, C. boninense, C.capsici, C. caudatum, C. coccodes, C. crassipes, C. dematium, C.desfructivum, C. fragariae, C. gloeosporioides, C. graminicola, C.kehawee, C. lindemuthianum, C. musae, C. orbiculare, C. spinaceae, C.sublineolum, C. trifolii, C. truncatum), Fusarium (e.g., F. graminearum,F. moniliforme, F. oxysporum, F. roseum, F. tricinctum),Helminthosporium, Magnaporthe (e.g., M. grisea, M. oryzae), Melamspora(e.g., M. lini), Mycosphaerella (e.g., M. graminicola), Nematospora,Penicillium (e.g., P. rugulosum, P. verrucosum), Phakopsora (e.g., P.pachyrhizi), Phomopsis, Phytiphtoria (e.g., P. infestans), Puccinia(e.g., P. graminis, P. striiformis, P. tritici, P. friticina), Pucivinia(e.g., P. graministice), Pythium, Pytophthora, Rhizoctonia (e.g., R.solani), Scopulariopsis, Selerotinia, Thielaviopsis and/or Ustilago(e.g., U. maydis).

Additional examples of fungi that may be targeted by inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may be found in Bradley, ManagingDiseases, in ILLINOIS AGRONOMY HANDBOOK (2008).

As discussed above, inoculant compositions of the present disclosure maycomprise one or more biological fungicides (i.e., one or moremicroorganisms the presence and/or output of which is toxic to afungus).

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more chemical fungicides. For example, in someembodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosure compriseone or more aromatic hydrocarbons, benzimidazoles, benzthiadiazole,carboxamides, carboxylic acid amides, morpholines, phenylamides,phosphonates, quinone outside inhibitors (e.g. strobilurins),thiazolidines, thiophanates, thiophene carboxamides and/or triazoles.

Non-limiting examples of chemical fungicides that may be useful ininoculant compositions of the present disclosure include strobilurins,such as azoxystrobin, coumethoxystrobin, coumoxystrobin, dimoxystrobin,enestroburin, fluoxastrobin, kresoxim-methyl, metominostrobin,orysastrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, pyrametostrobin,pyraoxystrobin, pyribencarb, trifloxystrobin,2-[2-(2,5-dimethyl-phenoxymethyl)-phenyl]-3-methoxy-acrylic acid methylester and2-(2-(3-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-1-methyl-allylideneaminooxymethyl)-phenyl)-2-methoxyimino-N-methyl-acetamide;carboxamides, such as carboxanilides (e.g., benalaxyl, benalaxyl-M,benodanil, bixafen, boscalid, carboxin, fenfuram, fenhexamid,flutolanil, fluxapyroxad, furametpyr, isopyrazam, isotianil, kiralaxyl,mepronil, metalaxyl, metalaxyl-M (mefenoxam), ofurace, oxadixyl,oxycarboxin, penflufen, penthiopyrad, sedaxane, tecloftalam,thifluzamide, tiadinil, 2-amino-4-methyl-thiazole-5-carboxanilide,N-(4′-trifluoromethylthiobiphenyl-2-yl)-3-difluoromethyl-1-methy1-1H-pyra-zole-4-carboxamide,N-(2-(1,3,3-trimethylbutyl)-phenyl)-1,3-dimethyl-5-fluoro-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide),carboxylic morpholides (e.g., dimethomorph, flumorph, pyrimorph),benzoic acid amides (e.g., flumetover, fluopicolide, fluopyram,zoxamide), carpropamid, dicyclomet, mandiproamid, oxytetracyclin,silthiofam and N-(6-methoxy-pyridin-3-yl) cyclopropanecarboxylic acidamide; azoles, such as triazoles (e.g., azaconazole, bitertanol,bromuconazole, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, diniconazole,diniconazole-M, epoxiconazole, fenbuconazole, fluquinconazole,flusilazole, flutriafol, hexaconazole, imibenconazole, ipconazole,metconazole, myclobutanil, oxpoconazole, paclobutrazole, penconazole,propiconazole, prothioconazole, simeconazole, tebuconazole,tetraconazole, triadimefon, triadimenol, triticonazole, uniconazole) andimidazoles (e.g., cyazofamid, imazalil, pefurazoate, prochloraz,triflumizol); heterocyclic compounds, such as pyridines (e.g.,fluazinam, pyrifenox (cf.D1b),3-[5-(4-chloro-phenyl)-2,3-dimethyl-isoxazolidin-3-yl]-pyridine,3-[5-(4-methyl-phenyl)-2,3-dimethyl-isoxazolidin-3-yl]-pyridine),pyrimidines (e.g., bupirimate, cyprodinil, diflumetorim, fenarimol,ferimzone, mepanipyrim, nitrapyrin, nuarimol, pyrimethanil), piperazines(e.g., triforine), pirroles (e.g., fenpiclonil, fludioxonil),morpholines (e.g., aldimorph, dodemorph, dodemorph-acetate,fenpropimorph, tridemorph), piperidines (e.g., fenpropidin);dicarboximides (e.g., fluoroimid, iprodione, procymidone, vinclozolin),non-aromatic 5-membered heterocycles (e.g., famoxadone, fenamidone,flutianil, octhilinone, probenazole,5-amino-2-isopropyl-3-oxo-4-ortho-tolyl-2,3-dihydro-pyrazole-1-carbothioicacid S-allyl ester), acibenzolar-S-methyl, ametoctradin, amisulbrom,anilazin, blasticidin-S, captafol, captan, chinomethionat, dazomet,debacarb, diclomezine, difenzoquat, difenzoquat-methylsulfate,fenoxanil, Folpet, oxolinic acid, piperalin, proquinazid, pyroquilon,quinoxyfen, triazoxide, tricyclazole,2-butoxy-6-iodo-3-propylchromen-4-one,5-chloro-1-(4,6-dimethoxy-pyrimidin-2-yl)-2-methyl-1H-benzoimidazole and5-chloro-7-(4-methyl)piperidin-1-yl)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo-[1,5-a] pyrimidine; benzimidazoles, such as carbendazim; andother active substances, such as guanidines (e.g., guanidine, dodine,dodine free base, guazatine, guazatine-acetate, iminoctadine),iminoctadine-triacetate and iminoctadine-tris(albesilate); antibiotics(e.g., kasugamycin, kasugamycin hydrochloride-hydrate, streptomycin,polyoxine and validamycin A), nitrophenyl derivates (e.g., binapacryl,dicloran, dinobuton, dinocap, nitrothal-isopropyl, tecnazen).organometal compounds (e.g., fentin salts, such as fentin-acetate,fentin chloride, fentin hydroxide); sulfur-containing heterocyclylcompounds (e.g., dithianon, isoprothiolane), organophosphorus compounds(e.g., edifenphos, fosetyl, fosetyl-aluminum, iprobenfos, phosphorusacid and its salts, pyrazophos, tolclofos-methyl), organochlorinecompounds (e.g., chlorothalonil, dichlofluanid, dichlorophen,flusulfamide, hexachlorobenzene, pencycuron, pentachlorphenole and itssalts, phthalide, quintozene, thiophanate-methyl, thiophanate,tolylfluanid,N-(4-chloro-2-nitro-phenyl)-N-ethyl-4-methyl-benzenesulfonamide) andinorganic active substances (e.g., Bordeaux mixture, copper acetate,copper hydroxide, copper oxychloride, basic copper sulfate, sulfur) andcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure comprise acibenzolar-S-methyl, azoxystrobin,benalaxyl, bixafen, boscalid, carbendazim, cyproconazole, dimethomorph,epoxiconazole, fludioxonil, fluopyram, fluoxastrobin, flutianil,flutolanil, fluxapyroxad, fosetyl-Al, ipconazole, isopyrazam,kresoxim-methyl, mefenoxam, metalaxyl, metconazole, myclobutanil,orysastrobin, penflufen, penthiopyrad, picoxystrobin, propiconazole,prothioconazole, pyraclostrobin, sedaxane, silthiofam, tebuconazole,thiabendazole, thifluzamide, thiophanate, tolclofos-methyl,trifloxystrobin and triticonazole. In some embodiments, inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure comprise azoxystrobin,pyraclostrobin, fluoxastrobin, trifloxystrobin, ipconazole,prothioconazole, sedaxane, fludioxonil, metalaxyl, mefenoxam,thiabendazole, fluxapyroxad and/or fluopyram.

Additional examples of fungicides that may be included in inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may be found in Bradley, ManagingDiseases, in ILLINOIS AGRONOMY HANDBOOK (2008).

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more commercial fungicides used in accordance with themanufacturer's recommended amounts/concentrations.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable herbicide(s), including, but not limited to, biologicalherbicides and chemical herbicides. Herbicides may be selected so as toprovide effective control against a broad spectrum of plants, including,but not limited to, plants from the families Asteraceae,Caryophyllaceae, Poaceae and Polygonaceae.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise an herbicide (or combination of herbicides) that is toxic toone or more strains of Echinochloa (e.g., E. brevipedicellata, E.callopus, E. chacoensis, E. colona, E. crus-galli, E. crus-pavonis, E.elliptica, E. esculenta, E. frumentacea, E. glabrescens, E. haploclada,E. helodes, E. hokiformis, E. inundata, E. jaliscana, E. Jubata, E.kimberleyensis, E. lacunaria, E. macrandra, E. muricata, E. obtusiflora,E. oplismenoides, E. orzyoides, E. paludigena, E. picta, E. pithopus, E.polystachya, E. praestans, E. pyramidalis, E. rotundiflora, E. stagnina,E. telmatophila, E. turneriana, E. ugandensis, E. walteri), Fallopia(e.g., F. baldschuanica, F. japonica, F. sachalinensis), Stellaria(e.g., S. media) and/or Taraxacum (e.g., T. albidum, T. aphrogenes, T.brevicorniculatum, T. californicum, T. centrasiatum, T. ceratophorum, T.erythrospermum, T. farinosum, T. holmboei, T. japonicum, T. kok-saghyz,T. laevigatum T. officinale, T. platycarpum).

Additional species of plants that may be targeted by inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may be found in Hager, WeedManagement, in ILLINOIS AGRONOMY HANDBOOK (2008) and LOUX ET AL., WEEDCONTROL GUIDE FOR OHIO, INDIANA AND ILLINOIS (2015).

As discussed above, inoculant compositions of the present disclosure maycomprise one or more biological herbicides (i.e., one or moremicroorganisms the presence and/or output of which is toxic to a plant).

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more chemical herbicides. For example, in someembodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosure compriseone or more acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors, acetolactatesynthase (ALS) inhibitors, acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) inhibitors,photosystem II inhibitors, photosystem I inhibitors, protoporphyrinogenoxidase (PPO or Protox) inhibitors, carotenoid biosynthesis inhibitors,enolpyruvyl shikimate-3-phosphate (EPSP) synthase inhibitor, glutaminesynthetase inhibitor, dihydropteroate synthetase inhibitor, mitosisinhibitors, 4-hydroxyphenyl-pyruvate-dioxygenase (4-HPPD) inhibitors,synthetic auxins, auxin herbicide salts, auxin transport inhibitors,nucleic acid inhibitors and/or one or more salts, esters, racemicmixtures and/or resolved isomers thereof. Non-limiting examples ofchemical herbicides that may be useful in inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure include 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D),2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T), ametryn, amicarbazone,aminocyclopyrachlor, acetochlor, acifluorfen, alachlor, atrazine,azafenidin, bentazon, benzofenap, bifenox, bromacil, bromoxynil,butachlor, butafenacil, butroxydim, carfentrazone-ethyl, chlorimuron,chlorotoluro, clethodim, clodinafop, clomazone, cyanazine, cycloxydim,cyhalofop, desmedipham, desmetryn, dicamba, diclofop, dimefuron, diuron,dithiopyr, fenoxaprop, fluazifop, fluazifop-P, fluometuron,flufenpyr-ethyl, flumiclorac-pentyl, flumioxazin, fluoroglycofen,fluthiacet-methyl, fomesafe, fomesafen, glyphosate, glufosinate,haloxyfop, hexazinone, imazamox, imazaquin, imazethapyr, ioxynil,isoproturon, isoxaflutole, lactofen, linuron, mecoprop, mecoprop-P,mesotrione, metamitron, metazochlor, methibenzuron, metolachlor (andS-metolachlor), metoxuron, metribuzin, monolinuron, oxadiargyl,oxadiazon, oxyfluorfen, phenmedipham, pretilachlor, profoxydim,prometon, prometry, propachlor, propanil, propaquizafop, propisochlor,pyraflufen-ethyl, pyrazon, pyrazolynate, pyrazoxyfen, pyridate,quizalofop, quizalofop-P (e.g., quizalofop-ethyl, quizalofop-P-ethyl,clodinafop-propargyl, cyhalofop-butyl, diclofop-methyl,fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, fluazifop-P-butyl, haloxyfop-methyl,haloxyfop-R-methyl), saflufenacil, sethoxydim, siduron, simazine,simetryn, sulcotrione, sulfentrazone, tebuthiuron, tembotrione,tepraloxydim, terbacil, terbumeton, terbuthylazine, thaxtomin (e.g., thethaxtomins described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,989,393), thenylchlor,tralkoxydim, triclopyr, trietazine, tropramezone, salts and estersthereof; racemic mixtures and resolved isomers thereof and combinationsthereof. In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure comprise acetochlor, clethodim, dicamba, flumioxazin,fomesafen, glyphosate, glufosinate, mesotrione, quizalofop,saflufenacil, sulcotrione, ethyl2-((3-(2-chloro-4-fluoro-5-(3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2,3-dihydropyrimidin-1(6H)-ypphenoxy)pyridin-2-yl)oxy)acetateand/or 2,4-D. In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure comprise glyphosate, glufosinate, dicamba, 2,4-D, acetochlor,metolachlor, pyroxasulfone, flumioxazin, fomesafen, lactofen,metribuzin, mesotrione, and/or ethyl2-((3-(2-chloro-4-fluoro-5-(3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2,3-dihydropyrimidin-1(6H)-yl)phenoxy)pyridin-2-yl)oxy)acetate.

Additional examples of herbicides that may be included in inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may be found in Hager, WeedManagement, in ILLINOIS AGRONOMY HANDBOOK (2008) and LOUX ET AL., WEEDCONTROL GUIDE FOR OHIO, INDIANA AND ILLINOIS (2015).

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more commercial herbicides used in accordance with themanufacturer's recommended amounts/concentrations.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable plant signal molecule(s), including, but not limited to,lipo-chitooligosaccharides (LCOs), chitooligosaccharides (COs),chitinous compounds, flavonoids, jasmonic acid or derivatives thereof,linoleic acid or derivatives thereof, linolenic acid or derivativesthereof and karrikins.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable LCO(s).

LCOs, sometimes referred to as symbiotic nodulation (Nod) signals or Nodfactors, consist of an oligosaccharide backbone of β-1,4-linkedN-acetyl-D-glucosamine (“GIcNAc”) residues with an N-linked fatty acylchain condensed at the non-reducing end. LCOs differ in the number ofGIcNAc residues in the backbone, in the length and degree of saturationof the fatty acyl chain and in the substitutions of reducing andnon-reducing sugar residues. See, e.g., Denarie, et al., ANN. REV.BIOCHEM. 65:503 (1996); Hamel, et al., PLANTA 232:787 (2010); Prome, etal., PURE & APDL. CHEM. 70(1):55 (1998).

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more LCOs represented by formula I:

in which G is a hexosamine which can be substituted, for example, by anacetyl group on the nitrogen, a sulfate group, an acetyl group and/or anether group on an oxygen; R₁, R₂, R₃, R₅, R₆ and R₇, which may beidentical or different, represent H, CH₃ CO—, C_(x) H_(y) CO— where x isan integer between 0 and 17 and y is an integer between 1 and 35, or anyother acyl group such as, for example, a carbamoyl; R₄ represents asaturated or mono-, di- or tri-unsaturated aliphatic chain containing atleast 12 carbon atoms; and n is an integer between 1 and 4.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more LCOs represented by formula II:

in which R represents H or CH₃ CO— and n is equal to 2 or 3. See, e.g.,U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,718. A number of Bradyrhizobium japonicum-derivedLCOs have also been described, including BjNod-V (C_(18:1)), BjNod-V(A_(C), C_(18:1)), BjNod-V (C_(16:1)) and BjNod-V (A_(C), C_(16:0))(with “V” indicating the presence of five N-acetylglucosamines, “Ac” anacetylation, the number following the “C” indicating the number ofcarbons in the fatty acid side chain and the number following the “:”indicating the number of double bonds). See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos.5,175,149 and 5,321,011. Additional LCOs obtained from bacterial strainsinclude NodRM, NodRM-1, NodRM-3. When acetylated (the R═CH₃ CO—), theybecome AcNodRM-1 and AcNodRM-3, respectively (U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,718).

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more LCOs represented by formula III:

in which n=1 or 2; R₁ represents C16, C16:0, C16:1, C16:2, C18:0,C18:1Δ9Z or C18:1Δ11Z; and R₂ represents hydrogen or SO₃H.

LCOs included in compositions and methods of the present disclosure maybe obtained from any suitable source.

In some embodiments, the LCO is obtained (i.e., isolated and/orpurified) from a bacterial strain. For example, in some embodiments,inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or moreLCOs obtained from a of Azorhizobium, Bradyrhizobium (e.g., B.japonicum), Mesorhizobium, Rhizobium (e.g., R. leguminosarum), orSinorhizobium (e.g., S. meliloti).

In some embodiments, the LCO is obtained (i.e., isolated and/orpurified) from a mycorrhizal fungus. For example, in some embodiments,inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or moreLCOs obtained from a strain of Glomerocycota (e.g., Glomusintraradicus). See, e.g., WO 2010/049751 (in which the LCOs are referredto as “Myc factors”).

In some embodiments, the LCO is synthetic. For example, in someembodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosure compriseone or more of the synthetic LCOs described in WO 2005/063784, WO2007/117500 and/or WO 2008/071674. In some embodiments, the syntheticLCO contains one or more modifications or substitutions, such as thosedescribed in Spaink, CRIT. REV. PLANT SCI. 54:257 (2000) and D'Haeze,supra. LCOs and precursors for the construction of LCOs (e.g., COs,which are themselves useful as plant signal molecules) may besynthesized by genetically engineered organisms. See, e.g., Samain etal., CARBOHYDRATE RES. 302:35 (1997); Cottaz, et al., METH. ENG.7(4):311 (2005); and Samain, et al., J. BIOTECHNOL. 72:33 (1999) (e.g.,FIG. 1 therein, which shows structures of COs that can be maderecombinantly in E. coli harboring different combinations of genesnodBCHL).

Further examples of LCOs (and derivatives thereof) that may be useful incompositions and methods of the present disclosure are provided below asformula IV:

in which R₁ represents C14:0, 3OH—C14:0, iso-C15:0, C16:0, 3-OH—C16:0,iso-C15:0, C16:1, C16:2, C16:3, iso-C17:0, iso-C17:1, C18:0, 3OH—C18:0,C18:0/3-OH, C18:1, OH—C18:1, C18:2, C18:3, C18:4, C19:1 carbamoyl,C20:0, C20:1, 3-OH—C20:1, C20:1/3-OH, C20:2, C20:3, C22:1 andC18-26(ω-1)-OH (which according to D'Haeze, et al., Glycobiology12:79R-105R (2002), includes C18, C20, C22, C24 and C26 hydroxylatedspecies and C16:1Δ9, C16:2 (Δ7,9) and C16:3 (Δ2,4,9)); R₂ representshydrogen or methyl; R₃ represents hydrogen, acetyl or carbamoyl; R₄represents hydrogen, acetyl or carbamoyl; R₅ represents hydrogen, acetylor carbamoyl; R₆ represents hydrogen, arabinosyl, fucosyl, acetyl, SO₃H,sulfate ester, 3-0-S-2-0-MeFuc, 2-0-MeFuc and 4-0-AcFuc; R₇ representshydrogen, mannosyl or glycerol; R₈ represents hydrogen, methyl, or—CH₂OH; R₉ represents hydrogen, arabinosyl, or fucosyl; R₁₀ representshydrogen, acetyl or fucosyl; and n represents 0, 1, 2 or 3. Naturallyoccurring LCOs embraced by this structure are described in D'Haeze, etal., supra.

Further examples of LCOs (and derivatives thereof) that may be useful incompositions and methods of the present disclosure are provided below asstructures V-XXXIII:

It is to be understood that compositions and methods of the presentdisclosure may comprise analogues, derivatives, hydrates, isomers, saltsand/or solvates of LCOs.

Thus, in some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight,nine, ten, or more LCOs represented by one or more of formulas I—IVand/or structures V-XXXIII and/or one, two, three, four, five, six,seven, eight, nine, ten, or more analogues, derivatives, hydrates,isomers, salts and/or solvates of LCOs represented by one or more offormulas I—IV and/or structures V-XXXIII.

LCOs may be incorporated into inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s).

In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure comprise about 1×10⁻²⁰ M to about 1×10⁻¹ M LCO. For example,inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about1×10⁻²⁰ M, 1×10⁻¹⁹ M, 1×10⁻¹⁸ M, 1×10⁻¹⁷ M, 1×10⁻¹⁶ M, 1×10⁻¹⁵ M,1×10⁻¹⁴ M, 1×10⁻¹³ M, 1×10⁻¹² M, 1×10⁻¹¹ M, 1×10⁻¹⁰ M, 1×10⁻⁹ M,1×10⁻⁸M, 1×10⁻⁷ M, 1×10⁻⁶M, 1×10⁻⁵ M, 1×10⁻⁴ M, 1×10⁻³ M, 1×10⁻²M,1×10⁻¹ M of one or more LCOs. In some embodiments, the LCO concentrationis 1×10⁻¹⁴M to 1×10⁻⁵ M, 1×10⁻¹² M to 1×10⁻⁶M, or 1×10⁻¹⁰ M to 1×10⁻⁷M.In some embodiments, the LCO concentration is 1×10⁻¹⁴M to 1×10⁻⁵M,1×10⁻¹²M to 1×10⁻⁶M, or 1×10⁻¹⁰ M to 1×10⁻⁷ M.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable CO(s).

COs, sometimes referred to as N-acetylchitooligosaccharides, are alsocomposed of GIcNAc residues but have side chain decorations that makethem different from chitin molecules [(C₈H₁₃NO₅)_(n), CAS No. 1398-61-4]and chitosan molecules [(C₅H₁₁NO₄)_(n), CAS No. 9012-76-4]. See, e.g.,D'Haeze et al., GLYCOBIOL. 12(6):79R (2002); Demont-Caulet et al., PLANTPHYSIOL. 120(1):83 (1999); Hanel et al., PLANTA 232:787 (2010); Mulleret al., PLANT PHYSIOL.124:733 (2000); Robina et al., TETRAHEDRON58:521-530 (2002); Rouge et al., Docking of Chitin Oligomers and NodFactors on Lectin Domains of the LysM-RLK Receptors in theMedicago-Rhizobium Symbiosis, in THE MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY OF COMPLEXCARBOHYDRATES-3 (Springer Science, 2011); Van der Holst et al., CURR.OPIN. STRUC. BIOL. 11:608 (2001); and Wan et al., PLANT CELL 21:1053(2009); PCT/F100/00803 (2000). COs differ from LCOs in that they lackthe pendant fatty acid chain that is characteristic of LCOs.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more COs represented by formula XXXIV:

in which R₁ represents hydrogen or methyl; R₂ represents hydrogen ormethyl; R₃ represents hydrogen, acetyl or carbamoyl; R₄ representshydrogen, acetyl or carbamoyl; R₅ represents hydrogen, acetyl orcarbamoyl; R₆ represents hydrogen, arabinosyl, fucosyl, acetyl, sulfateester, 3-0-S-2-0-MeFuc, 2-0-MeFuc and 4-0-AcFuc; R₇ represents hydrogen,mannosyl or glycerol; R₈ represents hydrogen, methyl, or —CH₂OH; R₉represents hydrogen, arabinosyl, or fucosyl; R₁₀ represents hydrogen,acetyl or fucosyl; and n represents 0, 1, 2 or 3.

COs included in compositions and methods of the present disclosure maybe obtained from any suitable source.

In some embodiments, the CO is derived from an LCO. For example, in someembodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosure compriseone or more COs derived from an LCO obtained (i.e., isolated and/orpurified) from a strain of Azorhizobium, Bradyrhizobium (e.g., B.japonicum), Mesorhizobium, Rhizobium (e.g., R. leguminosarum),Sinorhizobium (e.g., S. meliloti), or mycorhizzal fungus (e.g., Glomusinfraradicus). In some embodiments, the CO is derived from an LCOrepresented by one or more of formulas I-IV and/or structures V-XXXIII.Thus, in some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure may comprise one or more COs represented by one or more offormulas I-IV and/or structures V-XXXIII except that the pendant fattyacid is replaced with a hydrogen or methyl group.

In some embodiments, the CO is synthetic. Methods for the preparation ofrecombinant COs are known in the art. See, e.g., Cottaz et al., METH.ENG. 7(4):311 (2005); Samain et al., CARBOHYDRATE RES. 302:35 (1997.);and Samain et al., J. BIOTECHNOL. 72:33 (1999).

Examples of COs (and derivatives thereof) that may be useful incompositions and methods of the present disclosure are provided below asformula XXXV:

in which n=1 or 2; R₁ represents hydrogen or methyl; and R₂ representshydrogen or SO₃H.

Further examples of COs (and derivatives thereof) that may be useful incompositions and methods of the present disclosure are provided below asstructures XXXVI-XXXIX:

COs (and derivatives thereof) may be utilized in various forms of purityand may be used alone or in the form of a culture of CO-producingbacteria or fungi. In some embodiments, the CO(s) included in inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure is/are at least 70%, 75%, 80%,85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or morepure.

It is to be understood that compositions and methods of the presentdisclosure may comprise hydrates, isomers, salts and/or solvates of COs.

Thus, in some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight,nine, ten, or more COs represented by one or more of formulas XXXIV-XXXVand/or structures XXXVI-XXXIX and/or one, two, three, four, five, six,seven, eight, nine, ten, or more analogues, derivatives, hydrates,isomers, salts and/or solvates of COs represented by one or more offormulas XXXIV-XXXV and/or structures XXXVI-XXXIX.

COs may be incorporated into inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s). In someembodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise about 1×10⁻²⁰ M to about 1×10⁻¹ M CO. For example, inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 1×M, 1×10⁻¹⁹M, 1×10⁻¹⁸ M, 1×10⁻¹⁷M, 1×10⁻¹⁶ M, 1×10⁻¹⁵ M, 1×10⁻¹⁴ M, 1×10⁻¹³ M,1×10⁻¹²M, 1×10⁻¹¹M, 1×10⁻¹⁰ M, 1×10⁻⁹M, 1×10⁻⁸M, 1×10⁻⁷M, 1×10⁻⁶M,1×10⁻⁵M, 1×10⁻⁴M, 1×10⁻³M, 1×10⁻² M, 1×10⁻¹M of one or more COs. In someembodiments, the CO concentration is 1×10⁻¹⁴ M to 1×10⁻⁵ M, 1×10⁻¹² M to1×10⁻⁶ M, or 1×10⁻¹⁰ M to 1×10⁻⁷ M. In some embodiments, the COconcentration is 1×10⁻¹⁴ M to 1×10⁻⁵ M, 1×10⁻¹² M to 1×10⁻⁶ M, or1×10⁻¹⁰ M to 1×10⁻⁷ M.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable chitinous compound(s), including, but not limited to, chitin(IUPAC:N-[5-[[3-acetylamino-4,5-dihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2yl]methoxymethyl]-2-[[5-acetylamino-4,6-dihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]methoxymethyl]-4-hydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-3-ys]ethanamide),chitosan (IUPAC:5-amino-6-[5-amino-6-[5-amino-4,6-dihydroxy-2(hydroxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]oxy-4-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]oxy-2(hydroxymethypoxane-3,4-diol) and isomers, salts and solvates thereof.

Chitins and chitosans, which are major components of the cell walls offungi and the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans, are composed ofGIcNAc residues.

Chitins and chitosans may be obtained commercially or prepared frominsects, crustacean shells, or fungal cell walls. Methods for thepreparation of chitin and chitosan are known in the art. See, e.g., U.S.Pat. No. 4,536,207 (preparation from crustacean shells) and U.S. Pat.No. 5,965,545 (preparation from crab shells and hydrolysis of commercialchitosan); Pochanavanich, et al., LETT. APPL. MICROBIOL. 35:17 (2002)(preparation from fungal cell walls).

Deacetylated chitins and chitosans may be obtained that range from lessthan 35% to greater than 90% deacetylation and cover a broad spectrum ofmolecular weights, e.g., low molecular weight chitosan oligomers of lessthan 15 kD and chitin oligomers of 0.5 to 2 kD; “practical grade”chitosan with a molecular weight of about 15 kD; and high molecularweight chitosan of up to 70 kD. Chitin and chitosan compositionsformulated for seed treatment are commercially available. Commercialproducts include, for example, ELEXA® (Plant Defense Boosters, Inc.) andBEYOND™ (Agrihouse, Inc.).

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable flavonoid(s), including, but not limited to, anthocyanidins,anthoxanthins, chalcones, coumarins, flavanones, flavanonols, flavansand isoflavonoids, as well as analogues, derivatives, hydrates, isomers,polymers, salts and solvates thereof.

Flavonoids are phenolic compounds having the general structure of twoaromatic rings connected by a three-carbon bridge. Classes of flavonoidsinclude are known in the art. See, e.g., Jain et al., J. PLANT BIOCHEM.& BIOTECHNOL. 11:1 (2002); Shaw et al., ENVIRON. MICROBIOL. 11:1867(2006). Flavonoid compounds are commercially available, e.g., fromNovozymes BioAg, Saskatoon, Canada; Natland International Corp.,Research Triangle Park, N.C.; MP Biomedicals, Irvine, Calif.; LCLaboratories, Woburn Mass. Flavonoid compounds may be isolated fromplants or seeds, e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,702,752;5,990,291; and 6,146,668. Flavonoid compounds may also be produced bygenetically engineered organisms, such as yeast, as described in Ralstonet al., PLANT PHYSIOL. 137:1375 (2005).

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more anthocyanidins. For example, in some embodiments,inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise cyanidin,delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, peonidin and/or petunidin.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more anthoxanthins. For example, in some embodiments,inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or moreflavones (e.g., apigenin, baicalein, chrysin, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone,diosmin, flavoxate, 6-hydroxyflavone, luteolin, scutellarein, tangeritinand/or wogonin) and/or flavonols (e.g., amurensin, astragalin,azaleatin, azalein, fisetin, furanoflavonols galangin, gossypetin,3-hydroxyflavone, hyperoside, icariin, isoquercetin, kaempferide,kaempferitrin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, morin, myricetin, myricitrin,natsudaidain, pachypodol, pyranoflavonols quercetin, quericitin,rhanmazin, rhamnetin, robinin, rutin, spiraeoside, troxerutin and/orzanthorhamnin).

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more flavanones. For example, in some embodiments,inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise butin,eriodictyol, hesperetin, hesperidin, homoeriodictyol, isosakuranetin,naringenin, naringin, pinocembrin, poncirin, sakuranetin, sakuraninand/or sterubin.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more flavanonols. For example, in some embodiments,inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprisedihydrokaempferol and/or taxifolin.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more flavans. For example, in some embodiments,inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or moreflavan-3-ols (e.g., catechin (C), catechin 3-gallate (Cg), epicatechins(EC), epigallocatechin (EGC) epicatechin 3-gallate (ECg),epigallcatechin 3-gallate (EGCg), epiafzelechin, fisetinidol,gallocatechin (GC), gallcatechin 3-gallate (GCg), guibourtinidol,mesquitol, robinetinidol, theaflavin-3-gallate, theaflavin-3′-gallate,theflavin-3,3′-digallate, thearubigin), flavan-4-ols (e.g., apiforoland/or luteoforol) and/or flavan-3,4-diols (e.g., leucocyanidin,leucodelphinidin, leucofisetinidin, leucomalvidin, luecopelargonidin,leucopeonidin, leucorobinetinidin, melacacidin and/or teracacidin)and/or dimers, trimers, oligomers and/or polymers thereof (e.g., one ormore proanthocyanidins).

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise one or more isoflavonoids. For example, in some embodiments,inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or moreisoflavones (e.g, biochanin A, daidzein, formononetin, genistein and/orglycitein), isoflavanes (e.g., equol, ionchocarpane and/orlaxifloorane), isoflavandiols, isoflavenes (e.g., glabrene, haginin Dand/or 2-methoxyjudaicin), coumestans (e.g., coumestrol, plicadin and/orwedelolactone), pterocarpans and/or roetonoids.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable flavonoid derivative, including, but not limited to,neoflavonoids (e.g, calophyllolide, coutareagenin, dalbergichromene,dalbergin, nivetin) and pterocarpans (e.g., bitucarpin A, bitucarpin B,erybraedin A, erybraedin B, eiythrabyssin II, erthyrabissin-1,erycristagallin, glycinol, glyceollidins, glyceollins, glycyrrhizol,maackiain, medicarpin, morisianine, orientanol, phaseolin, pisatin,striatine, trifolirhizin).

Flavonoids and derivatives thereof may be incorporated into inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure in any suitable form, including,but not limited to, polymorphic and crystalline forms.

Flavonoids may be incorporated into inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s). Inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitablenon-flavonoid node-gene inducer(s), including, but not limited to,jasmonic acid ([1R-[1α,2β(Z)]]-3-oxo-2-(pentenyl)cyclopentaneaceticacid; JA), linoleic acid ((Z,Z)-9,12-Octadecadienoic acid) and linolenicacid ((Z,Z,Z)-9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid), as well as analogues,derivatives, hydrates, isomers, polymers, salts and solvates thereof.

Jasmonic acid and its methyl ester, methyl jasmonate (MeJA),collectively known as jasmonates, are octadecanoid-based compounds thatoccur naturally in some plants (e.g., wheat), fungi (e.g.,Botryodiplodia theobromae, Gibberella fujikuroi), yeast (e.g.,Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli).Linoleic acid and linolenic acid may be produced in the course of thebiosynthesis of jasmonic acid. Jasmonates, linoleic acid and linolenicacid (and their derivatives) are reported to be inducers of nod geneexpression or LCO production by rhizobacteria. See, e.g., Mabood, et al.PLANT PHYSIOL. BIOCHEM. 44(11):759 (2006); Mabood et al., AGR. J.98(2):289 (2006); Mabood, et al., FIELD CROPS RES.95(2-3):412 (2006);Mabood & Smith, Linoleic and linolenic acid induce the expression of nodgenes in Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 3, PLANT BIOL. (2001).

Useful derivatives of jasmonic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid thatmay be useful in compositions of the present disclosure include esters,amides, glycosides and salts. Representative esters are compounds inwhich the carboxyl group of linoleic acid, linolenic acid, or jasmonicacid has been replaced with a —COR group, where R is an —OR¹ group, inwhich R¹ is: an alkyl group, such as a C₁-C₈ unbranched or branchedalkyl group, e.g., a methyl, ethyl or propyl group; an alkenyl group,such as a C₂-C₈ unbranched or branched alkenyl group; an alkynyl group,such as a C₂-C₈ unbranched or branched alkynyl group; an aryl grouphaving, for example, 6 to 10 carbon atoms; or a heteroaryl group having,for example, 4 to 9 carbon atoms, wherein the heteroatoms in theheteroaryl group can be, for example, N, O, P, or S. Representativeamides are compounds in which the carboxyl group of linoleic acid,linolenic acid, or jasmonic acid has been replaced with a —COR group,where R is an NR²R³ group, in which R² and R³ are independently:hydrogen; an alkyl group, such as a C₁-C₈ unbranched or branched alkylgroup, e.g., a methyl, ethyl or propyl group; an alkenyl group, such asa C₂-C₈ unbranched or branched alkenyl group; an alkynyl group, such asa C₂-C₈ unbranched or branched alkynyl group; an aryl group having, forexample, 6 to 10 carbon atoms; or a heteroaryl group having, forexample, 4 to 9 carbon atoms, wherein the heteroatoms in the heteroarylgroup can be, for example, N, O, P, or S. Esters may be prepared byknown methods, such as acid-catalyzed nucleophilic addition, wherein thecarboxylic acid is reacted with an alcohol in the presence of acatalytic amount of a mineral acid. Amides may also be prepared by knownmethods, such as by reacting the carboxylic acid with the appropriateamine in the presence of a coupling agent such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), under neutral conditions. Suitable salts of linoleicacid, linolenic acid and jasmonic acid include e.g., base additionsalts. The bases that may be used as reagents to prepare metabolicallyacceptable base salts of these compounds include those derived fromcations such as alkali metal cations (e.g., potassium and sodium) andalkaline earth metal cations (e.g., calcium and magnesium). These saltsmay be readily prepared by mixing together a solution of linoleic acid,linolenic acid, or jasmonic acid with a solution of the base. The saltsmay be precipitated from solution and be collected by filtration or maybe recovered by other means such as by evaporation of the solvent.

Non-flavonoid node-gene inducers may be incorporated into inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure in any suitableamount(s)/concentration(s).

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprisekarrakin(s), including, but not limited to, 2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-ones,as well as analogues, derivatives, hydrates, isomers, polymers, saltsand solvates thereof. In some embodiments, the inoculant compositioncomprises one or more karrakins represented by formula XXXX:

in which Z is O, S or NR₅; R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ are each independently H,alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, phenyl, benzyl, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy,phenyloxy, benzyloxy, CN, COR₆, COOR═, halogen, NR₆R₇, or NO₂; and R₅,R₆ and R₇ are each independently H, alkyl or alkenyl, or a biologicallyacceptable salt thereof.

Examples of biologically acceptable salts of karrakins may include acidaddition salts formed with biologically acceptable acids, examples ofwhich include hydrochloride, hydrobromide, sulphate or bisulphate,phosphate or hydrogen phosphate, acetate, benzoate, succinate, fumarate,maleate, lactate, citrate, tartrate, gluconate; methanesulphonate,benzenesulphonate and p-toluenesulphonic acid. Additional biologicallyacceptable metal salts may include alkali metal salts, with bases,examples of which include the sodium and potassium salts. Examples ofcompounds embraced by formula XXXX and which may be suitable for use inthe present disclosure include 3-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (whereR₁═CH₃, R₂, R₃, R₄═H), 2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (where R₁, R₂, R₃,R4═H), 7-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (where R₁, R₂, R₄═H, R₃═CH₃),5-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (where R₁, R₂, R₃═H, R₄═CH₃),3,7-dimethyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (where R₁, R₃═CH₃, R₂, R₄═H),3,5-dimethyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (where R₁, R₄═CH₃, R₂, R₃═H),3,5,7-trimethyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (where R₁, R₃, R₄═CH₃, R₂═H),5-methoxymethyl-3-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (where R₁═CH₃, R₂,R₃═H, R₄═CH₂OCH₃), 4-bromo-3,7-dimethyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (whereR₁, R₃═CH₃, R₂═Br, R₄═H), 3-methylfuro[2,3-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one (whereZ═NH, R₁═CH₃, R₂, R₃, R₄═H) and 3,6-dimethylfuro[2,3-c]pyridin-2(6H)-one(where Z═N—CH₃, R₁═CH₃, R₂, R₃, R₄═H). See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.7,576,213; Halford, Smoke Signals, in CHEM. ENG. NEWS (Apr. 12, 2010)(reporting that karrikins or butenolides contained in smoke act asgrowth stimulants and spur seed germination after a forest fire and caninvigorate seeds such as corn, tomatoes, lettuce and onions that hadbeen stored).

Karrakins may be incorporated into inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s).

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprisegluconolactone and/or one or more analogues, derivatives, hydrates,isomers, polymers, salts and/or solvates thereof.

Gluconolactone may be incorporated into inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s).

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosureare formulated as non-aqueous formulations in which at least about 0.01,0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55,60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more of the microbial spores thereinsurvive when the inoculant composition is stored at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40° C. and10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or morerelative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52,56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more. Insome embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosure areformulated such that at least about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70% or moreof the microorganisms therein survive when the inoculant composition iscoated on a seed and stored at 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29and/or 30° C. and 50, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% ormore relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44,48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks ormore.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosureare formulated as non-aqueous formulations in which at least 1×10¹,1×10², 1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷, 1×10⁸, 1×10⁹, 1×10¹⁰, 1×10¹¹,1×10¹² cfu/gram or more of the microbial spores therein survive when theinoculant composition is stored at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29,30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40° C. and 10, 15, 20, 25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relativehumidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60,64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosureare formulated as non-aqueous formulations in which at least 1×10¹,1×10², 1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷, 1×10⁸, 1×10⁹, 1×10¹⁰, 1×10¹¹,1×10¹² cfu/ml or more of the microbial spores therein survive when theinoculant composition is stored at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29,30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40° C. and 10, 15, 20, 25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relativehumidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60,64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosureare formulated such that at least 1×10¹, 1×10², 1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵,1×10⁶, 1×10⁷, 1×10⁸, 1×10⁹, 1×10¹⁰, 1×10¹¹, 1×10¹² cfu/seed or more ofthe microorganisms therein survive when the inoculant composition iscoated on a seed and stored at 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29and/or 30° C. and 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% ormore relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44,48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks ormore.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosureare formulated as amorphous solids.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosureare formulated aswettable powders.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosureare formulated as granuales.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise no water.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise a trace amount of water.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprise less than 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09,0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5% water by weight, basedupon the total weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosurehave a pH of about 4.5 to about 9.5. In some embodiments, inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure have a pH of about 6 to about7.5. In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure have a pH of about 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8 or 8.5.

As noted above, inoculant compositions of the present disclosure maycomprise agriculturally beneficial constituents, such as biostimulants,microbial extracts, nutrients, pesticides and plant signal molecules. Itis to be understood that agriculturally beneficial constituents may alsobe used in conjunction with inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure. Thus, the present disclosure extends to systems and methodsof using inoculant compositions of the present disclosure in conjunctionwith compositions comprising one or more agriculturally beneficialconstituents (e.g., a second composition comprising one or more LCOsand/or COs, a third composition comprising one or more fungicides,herbicides, insectides and/or netamicides, etc.).

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may be formulated forthe treatment of any suitable plant type, including, but not limited to,row crops and vegetables. In some embodiments, inoculant compositions ofthe present disclosure are formulated for the treatment of one or moreplants selected from Amaranthaceae (e.g., chard, spinach, sugar beet,quinoa), Asteraceae (e.g., artichoke, asters, chamomile, chicory,chrysanthemums, dahlias, daisies, echinacea, goldenrod, guayule,lettuce, marigolds, safflower, sunflowers, zinnias), Brassicaceae (e.g.,arugula, broccoli, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower,canola, collard greens, daikon, garden cress, horseradish, kale,mustard, radish, rapeseed, rutabaga, turnip, wasabi, watercress,Arabidopsis thaliana), Cucurbitaceae (e.g., cantaloupe, cucumber,honeydew, melon, pumpkin, squash (e.g., acorn squash, butternut squash,summer squash), watermelon, zucchini), Fabaceae (e.g., alfalfa, beans,carob, clover, guar, lentils, mesquite, peas, peanuts, soybeans,tamarind, tragacanth, vetch), Malvaceae (e.g., cacao, cotton, durian,hibiscus, kenaf, kola, okra), Poaceae (e.g., bamboo, barley, corn,fonio, lawn grass (e.g., Bahia grass, Bermudagrass, bluegrass,Buffalograss, Centipede grass, Fescue, or Zoysia), millet, oats,ornamental grasses, rice, lye, sorghum, sugar cane, triticale, wheat),Polygonaceae (e.g., buckwheat), Rosaceae (e.g., almonds, apples,apricots, blackberry, blueberry, cherries, peaches, plums, quinces,raspberries, roses, strawberries), Solanaceae (e.g., bell peppers, chilipeppers, eggplant, petunia, potato, tobacco, tomato) and Vitaceae (e.g.,grape). In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure are formulated for the treatment of one or more fungicide-,herbicide-, insecticide- and/or nematicide-resistant plants (e.g., oneor more plants resistant to acetolactate synthase inhibitors.

Non-limiting examples of plants that may be treated with inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure include plants sold by MonsantoCompany (St. Louis, Mo.) under the BOLLGARD DROUGHTGARD®, GENUITY®, RIBCOMPLETE®, ROUNDUP READY®, ROUNDUP READY 2 YIELD®, ROUNDUP READY 2EXTEND™, SMARTSTAX®, VT DOUBLE PRO®, VT TRIPLE PRO®, YIELDGARD®,YIELDGARD VT ROOTWORM/RR2®, YIELDGARD VT TRIPLE® and/or XTENDFLEX™tradenames.

The present disclosure extends to plants that have been treated withinoculant compositions of the present disclosure, plant parts harvestedfrom plants that have been treated with inoculant compositions of thepresent disclosure, processed products derived from plants that havebeen treated with inoculant compositions of the present disclosure andcrops comprising a plurality of plants that have been treated withinoculant compositions of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure also provides coated plant propagation materialscomprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a plantpropagation material and a coating that covers at least a portion of theouter surface of the plant propagation material, said coatingcomprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of an inoculantcomposition of the present disclosure.

The coating may comprise one, two, three, four, five or more layers. Insome embodiments, the coating comprises an inner layer that contains oneor more microorganisms and one or more outer layers free orsubstantially free of microorganisms.

In some embodiments, the inner layer of the coating is an inoculantcomposition of the present disclosure and the outer layer is equivalentto an inoculant composition of the present disclosure but it lacks oneor more microorganisms. For example, coated plant propagation materialsof the present disclosure may comprise a seed that is coated with aninner layer that comprises microbial spores (e.g., spores of one or morestrains of Bacillus, one or more strains of Gliocladium, one or morestrains of Glomus, one or more strains of Metarhizium, one or morestrains of Penicillium and/or one or more strains of Trichoderma), oneor more protectants and one or more dispersants in a non-aqueous carrierand an outer layer that comprises the same carrier but is free ofmicrobial spores.

In some embodiments, the coating comprises, consists essentially of, orconsists of an inoculant composition of the present disclosure and adrying powder. For example, coated plant propagation materials of thepresent disclosure may comprise a seed that is coated with an inoculantcomposition comprising microbial spores (e.g., spores of one or morestrains of Bacillus, one or more strains of Gliocladium, one or morestrains of Glomus, one or more strains of Metarhizium, one or morestrains of Penicillium and/or one or more strains of Trichoderma), oneor more protectants and one or more dispersants in a non-aqueous carrierand is then covered with a drying powder (e.g., a drying power thatcomprises calcium stearate, one or more clays, graphite, magnesiumstearate, magnesium sulfate, powdered milk, silica, soy lecithin and/ortalc).

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may be coated on plantpropagation material in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s).

In some embodiments, the inoculant composition is applied in an amountranging from about 0.5 to about 10 milliliters of inoculant compositionper kilogram of plant propagation material. For example, in someembodiments, about 0.5, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25,3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5,10 milliliters or more of inoculant composition is applied per kilogramof seed. In some embodiments, an inoculant composition comprising one ormore maltodextrins (e.g., one or more maltodextrins having a DEV ofabout 15 to about 20) and one or more microbial spores (e.g., spores ofone or more strains of Bacillus, one or more strains of Gliocladium, oneor more strains of Glomus, one or more strains of Metarhizium, one ormore strains of Penicillium and/or one or more strains of Trichoderma)is applied at a rate of about 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, or4 milliliters per kilogram of seed.

Drying powders may be applied in any suitableamount(s)/concentration(s).

In some embodiments, the drying powder is applied in an amount rangingfrom about 0.5 to about 10 grams of drying powder per kilogram of plantpropagation material. For example, in some embodiments, about 0.5, 1,1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5,4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10 grams or more of dryingpowder (e.g., drying powder comprising magnesium stearate, magnesiumsulfate, powdered milk, silica, soy lecithin and/or talc) is applied perkilogram of seed. In some embodiments, a drying powder comprisingcalcium stearate, attapulgite clay, montmorillonite clay, graphite,magnesium stearate, silica (e.g., fumed silica, hydrophobically-coatedsilica and/or precipitated silica) and/or talc is applied to seedscoated with an inoculant composition comprising one or moremaltodextrins (e.g., one or more maltodextrins having a DEV of about 15to about 20) and one or more microbial spores (e.g., spores of one ormore strains of Bacillus, one or more strains of Gliocladium, one ormore strains of Glomus, one or more strains of Metarhizium, one or morestrains of Penicillium and/or one or more strains of Trichoderma) at arate of about 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, or 3 grams perkilogram of seed.

In some embodiments, the coating covers about 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75,80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 99.5% or more of the outer surface ofthe plant propagation material.

In some embodiments, the average thickness of the coating is at least1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8,2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 μm or more. In some embodiments, theaverage thickness of the coating is about 1.5 to about 3.0 μm.

In some embodiments, the coating comprises one or more effect pigments.Effect pigments, which are sometimes also referred to in the art as“pearl pigments,” are a class of materials that provide reflectivity,shine, and/or a pearlescent effect when applied as a coating. In someinstances, the effect pigment is in the form of a powder comprising asubstrate material and a metal oxide coating. For example, the effectpigment may comprise a substrate material including but not limited totalc, silicate materials (e.g., mica), clay minerals, calcium carbonate,kaolin, phlogopite, alumina, and similar substances. In some instances,the substrate material comprises a hydrophilic material. The substratematerial may be coated with a semi-transparent layer of a metal oxide,including but not limited to titanium dioxide, iron oxide, chromiumoxide, or zirconium oxide. Alternatively, in some instances, the effectpigment comprises metal powder or metal flakes. The metal powder ormetal flakes may comprise a metal including, but not limited toaluminum, copper, silver, or bronze. In some instances, the effectpigment comprises a silicate based substrate. Non-limiting examples ofparticulate silicates that can be incorporated into the dry powdercoating include mica coated with titanium dioxide (e.g., SUNMICA FINEWHITE 2800102, which is commercially available from Sun Chemical Corp.).Other non-limiting examples of commercially available effect pigmentsthat can be incorporated into the dry powder include MAGNA PEARL, LUMINAand MEARLIN pigments from BASF Corporation; PHIBRO PEARL fromPhibroChem; and IRIDESIUM 120 from Aakash Chemicals. In some instances,the dry powder has a mean particle size of from about 1 to about 25microns.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may be used to coat anysuitable plant propagation materials, including, but not limited to,cuttings (e.g., leaves, stems), rhizomes, seeds and tubers. In someembodiments, the plant propagation material is a seed.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may be used to coatplant propagation materials of any suitable plant type, including, butnot limited to, row crops and vegetables. In some embodiments, inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure are coated on propagationmaterial derived from one or more plants selected from Amaranthaceae(e.g., chard, spinach, sugar beet, quinoa), Asteraceae (e.g., artichoke,asters, chamomile, chicory, chrysanthemums, dahlias, daisies, echinacea,goldenrod, guayule, lettuce, marigolds, safflower, sunflowers, zinnias),Brassicaceae (e.g., arugula, broccoli, bok choy, Brussels sprouts,cabbage, cauliflower, canola, collard greens, daikon, garden cress,horseradish, kale, mustard, radish, rapeseed, rutabaga, turnip, wasabi,watercress, Arab idopsis thaliana), Cucurbitaceae (e.g., cantaloupe,cucumber, honeydew, melon, pumpkin, squash (e.g., acorn squash,butternut squash, summer squash), watermelon, zucchini), Fabaceae (e.g.,alfalfa, beans, carob, clover, guar, lentils, mesquite, peas, peanuts,soybeans, tamarind, tragacanth, vetch), Malvaceae (e.g., cacao, cotton,durian, hibiscus, kenaf, kola, okra), Poaceae (e.g., bamboo, barley,corn, fonio, lawn grass (e.g., Bahia grass, Bermudagrass, bluegrass,Buffalograss, Centipede grass, Fescue, or Zoysia), millet, oats,ornamental grasses, rice, lye, sorghum, sugar cane, triticale, wheat),Polygonaceae (e.g., buckwheat), Rosaceae (e.g., almonds, apples,apricots, blackberry, blueberry, cherries, peaches, plums, quinces,raspberries, roses, strawberries), Solanaceae (e.g., bell peppers, chilipeppers, eggplant, petunia, potato, tobacco, tomato) and Vitaceae (e.g.,grape).

Non-limiting examples of plant propagation materials that may be coatedwith inoculant compositions of the present disclosure include seeds soldby Monsanto Company (St. Louis, Mo.) under the BOLLGARD DROUGHTGARD®,GENUITY®, RIB COMPLETE®, ROUNDUP READY®, ROUNDUP READY 2 YIELD®, ROUNDUPREADY 2 EXTEND™, SMARTSTAX®, VT DOUBLE PRO®, VT TRIPLE PRO®, YIELDGARD®,YIELDGARD VT ROOTWORM/RR2®, YIELDGARD VT TRIPLE® and/or XTENDFLEX™tradenames.

The present disclosure extends to plants that grow from coated plantpropagation materials of the present disclosure, plant parts harvestedfrom plants that grow from coated plant propagation materials of thepresent disclosure, processed products derived from plants that growfrom coated plant propagation materials of the present disclosure andcrops comprising a plurality of plants that grow from coated plantpropagation materials of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure also provides kits comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of a coated plant propagation material ofthe present disclosure and a container housing the coated plantpropagation material. In some embodiments, the kit further comprises oneor more oxygen scavengers, such as activated carbon, ascorbic acid, ironpowder, mixtures of ferrous carbonate and metal halide catalysts, sodiumchloride and/or sodium hydrogen carbonate.

The container may comprise any suitable material(s), including, but notlimited to, materials that reduce the amount of light, moisture and/oroxygen that contact the coated plant propagation material when thecontainer is sealed.

In some embodiments, the container comprises, consists essentially of,or consists of a material having light permeability of less than about1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60,65, 70 or 75%.

In some embodiments, the container reduces the amount of ambient lightthat reaches said coated plant propagation material by about 5, 10, 15,20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100%when sealed.

In some embodiments, the container reduces the amount of ambientmoisture that reaches said plant propagation material by about 5, 10,15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or100% when sealed.

In some embodiments, the container comprises, consists essentially of,or consists of a material having an oxygen transmission rate of lessthan about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100,125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 425, 450,475, or 500 cm³/m²·day (as measured in accordance with ASTM D3985).

In some embodiments, the container reduces the amount of ambient oxygenthat reaches said plant propagation material by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100% whensealed.

In some embodiments, kits of the present disclosure comprise 1, 2, 3, 4,5 or more additional containers. The additional containers may compriseany suitable component(s) or composition(s), including, but not limitedto, agriculturally beneficial microorganisms, biostimulants, dryingagents, nutrients, oxidation control components and pesticides. Examplesof agriculturally beneficial microorganisms, biostimulants, dryingagents, nutrients, oxidation control components and pesticides that maybe included in the additional containers are described above.

The present disclosure also provides animal feed compositionscomprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a food componentand a microbial component, said microbial component comprising,consisting essentially of, or consisting of an inoculant composition ofthe present disclosure.

Animal feed compositions of the present disclosure may comprise anysuitable food component, including, but not limited to, fodder (e.g.,grains, hay, legumes, silage and/or straw) and forage (e.g., grass).

Animal feed compositions of the present disclosure may be fed to anysuitable animal, including, but not limited to, farm animals, zooanimals, laboratory animals and/or companion animals. In someembodiments, the animal feed composition is formulated to meet thedietary needs of birds (e.g., chickens, ducks, quails and/or turkeys),bovids (e.g., antelopes, bison, cattle, gazelles, goats, impala, oxen,sheep and/or wildebeests), canines, cervids (e.g., caribou, deer, elkand/or moose), equines (e.g., donkeys, horses and/or zebras), felines,fish, pigs, rabbits, rodents (e.g., guinea pigs, hamsters, mice and/orrats) and the like.

The present disclosure also provides methods comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of applying an inoculant composition ofthe present disclosure to a plant or plant part.

Inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may be applied in anysuitable manner, including, but not limited to, on-seed application,in-furrow application, soil application and foliar application.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosureare applied to plant propagation materials (e.g., seeds) at least 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23,24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92,96, 100, 104 weeks or more prior to planting.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosureare applied to plant propagation materials (e.g., seeds) at the time ofplanting.

Plant propagation materials may be treated using any suitable method(s),including, but not limited to, coating, dripping, spraying and soakingBatch systems, in which predetermined batch sizes of material andinoculant composition are delivered into a mixer, may be employed.Continuous treatment systems, which are calibrated to apply inoculantcomposition at a predefined rate in proportion to a continuous flow ofmaterial, may also be employed.

In some embodiments, plant propagation materials are soaked for at least0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 36, 48 hours or more in an inoculantcomposition of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, plant propagation materials (e.g., seeds) arecoated by applying an inoculant composition of the present disclosure tothe inside wall of a round container, adding the seeds, then rotatingthe container such that the seeds come into contact with thecomposition, a process known in the art as “container coating”.

In some embodiments, an inoculant composition of the present disclosureis freeze-spray- or spray-freeze-dried and then applied to plantpropagation material. For examples, in some embodiments, an inoculantcomposition comprising one or more maltodextrins (e.g., one or moremaltodextrins having a DEV of about 15 to about 20), one or moremicrobial spores (e.g., spores of one or more strains of Bacillus, oneor more strains of Gliocladium, one or more strains of Glomus, one ormore strains of Metarhizium, one or more strains of Penicillium and/orone or more strains of Trichoderma) and one or more disaccharides (e.g.,maltose) is freeze-spray- or spray-freeze-dried, mixed with a dryingpowder (e.g., a drying powder comprising calcium stearate, attapulgiteclay, montmorillonite clay, graphite, magnesium stearate, silica (e.g.,fumed silica, hydrophobically-coated silica and/or precipitated silica)and/or talc), then coated on seed that was been pre-treated with one ormore adhesives (e.g., an adhesive composition comprising one or moremaltodextrins, one or more mono-, di- or oligosaccharides, one or morepeptones, etc.), one or more pesticides and/or one or more plant signalmolecules (e.g., one or more LCOs).

The present disclosure also provides methods comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of planting a coated seed of the presentdisclosure.

The present disclosure also provides methods of enhancing the survivaland/or stability of microbial spores in a composition, said methodscomprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of adding aneffective amount of one or more protectants to said composition.

Protectants may be used to improve any suitable microbial stabilitycharacteristic(s) of the microbial spores in a composition, including,but not limited to, the ability of the microbial spores in a compositionto enhance plant yield after being coated on a seed and stored for adefined period of time prior to planting the seed. For example, theaddition of one or more protectants to a composition enhances theability of the microbial spores therein to propagate and increase yieldafter being coated on a plant propagation material (e.g., seed) andstored at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35,36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40° C. and 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55,60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23,24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92,96, 100, 104 weeks or more.

In some embodiments, the addition of one or more protectants to acomposition improves the stability of one or more microbial sporestherein by at least about 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30,35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115,120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to microbial spores in acontrol composition (e.g., a control composition that is identical tothe inoculant composition of the present disclosure except that it lacksone or more of the components found in the inoculant composition and/orcontains one or more components not found in the inoculant compositionof the present disclosure). For example, the addition of one or moreprotectants to a composition may improve one or more microbial stabilitycharacteristics of one or more microbial spores therein by at leastabout 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85,90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as comparedto a control composition that is identical to the inoculant compositionexcept that lacks one or more of the protectants found in the inoculantcomposition and/or comprises a reduced amount of one or more of theprotectants found in the inoculant composition.

In some embodiments, the addition of one or more protectants to acomposition improves the stability of one or more microbial sporestherein by at least about 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30,35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115,120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to a control composition(e.g., a control composition that is identical to the inoculantcomposition of the present disclosure except that it lacks one or moreof the components found in the inoculant composition and/or contains oneor more components not found in the inoculant composition of the presentdisclosure). For example, the addition of one or more protectants to acomposition may improve the survival rate of one or more of themicrobial spores contained therein by at least about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110,115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to a controlcomposition that is identical to the inoculant composition except thatlacks one or more of the protectants found in the inoculant compositionand/or comprises a reduced amount of one or more of the protectantsfound in the inoculant composition.

In some embodiments, the addition of one or more protectants to acomposition improves the survival of one or more of the microbial sporesin an inoculant composition to the extent that at least about 0.01,0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55,60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more of the microbial spores survivewhen the inoculant composition is stored at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40° C. and 10,15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or morerelative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52,56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more. Insome embodiments, the addition of one or more protectants to acomposition improves the survival of one or more of the microbial sporesin an inoculant composition to the extent that at least about 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45,50, 55, 60, 65, 70% or more of the microbial spores survive when theinoculant composition is coated on a seed, dried and stored at 20, 21,22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and/or 30° C. and 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55,60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23,24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92,96, 100, 104 weeks or more.

In some embodiments, the addition of one or more protectants to acomposition improves the survival of one or more of the microbial sporesin an inoculant composition to the extent that at least 1×10¹, 1×10²,1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷, 1×10⁸, 1×10⁹, 1×10¹⁰, 1×10¹¹, 1×10¹²cfu/seed or more of the microbial spores survive when the inoculantcomposition is coated on a seed and stored at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40° C. and 10,15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or morerelative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52,56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more. Insome embodiments, the addition of one or more protectants to acomposition improves the survival of one or more of the microbial sporesin an inoculant composition to the extent that at least 1×10¹, 1×10²,1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷ cfu/seed or more of the microbialspores survive when the inoculant composition is coated on a seed andstored at 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and/or 30° C. and 30,35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relative humidityfor a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68,72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more.

In some embodiments, the addition of one or more maltodextrins to acomposition improves both the survival rate and one, two, three, four,five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more microbial stabilitycharacteristics of the microbial spore(s) contained therein.

Any suitable protectant(s) may be added to the composition, including,but not limited to maltodextrins and oxidation control components.

In some embodiments, one or more maltodextrins is added to the inoculantcomposition.

Any suitable maltodextrin(s) may be added to the composition, including,but not limited to, maltodextrins having a dextrose equivalent value(DEV) of about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25. In some embodiments, one or moremaltodextrins having a DEV of about 5 to about 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25, about 10 to about 11,12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25, or about 15 toabout 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 is added to thecomposition. In some embodiments, a combination of maltodextrins havinga DEV of about 5 to about 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25, about 10 to about 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17,18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25, or about 15 to about 16, 17, 18, 19,20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 is added to the composition. In someembodiments, one or more maltodextrins having a DEV of about 10 to about25 (e.g., one or more maltodextrins having a DEV of about 15 to about20) is added to the composition. In some embodiments, a combination ofmaltodextrins having a DEV of about 10 to about 25 (e.g., a combinationof maltodextrins having a DEV of about 15 to about 20) is added to thecomposition.

Non-limiting examples of maltodextrins that may be useful in methods ofthe present disclosure include MALTRIN® M150 (DEV=15; molecularweight=1200; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, Iowa), MALTRIN®M200 (DEV=20; molecular weight=900; Grain Processing Corporation,Muscatine, Iowa), MALTRIN® M250 (DEV=25; molecular weight=720; GrainProcessing Corporation, Muscatine, Iowa); MALTRIN QD® M580(DEV=16.5-19.9; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, Iowa); MALTRINQD® M585 (DEV=15.0-19.9; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, Iowa);MALTRIN QD® M600 (DEV=20.0-23.0; Grain Processing Corporation,Muscatine, Iowa); GLOBE® Plus 15 DE (Ingredion Inc., Westchester, Ill.)and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the maltodextrin (orcombination of maltodextrins) has a DEV of 15 to 20.

Maltodextrins may be added to the composition in any suitable form. Insome embodiments, the maltodextrin(s) added to the composition is/are atleast 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 99.5% ormore pure.

The absolute value of the amount/concentration/dosage of maltodextrinsthat is sufficient to cause the desired effect may be affected byfactors such as the type, size and volume of material to which thecompositon will be applied, the stability of the microbial spores in thecomposition, the identity and amounts/concentrations of other componentsin the inoculant composition (e.g., monosaccharides, disaccharides,sugar alcohols) and the storage conditions (e.g., temperature, relativehumidity, duration). Those skilled in the art will understand how toselect an effective amount/concentration/dosage using routinedose-response experiments.

In some embodiments, the maltodextrin(s) is/are added to the compositionuntil they comprise about 5 to about 95% or more (by weight) of thecomposition. For example, one or more maltodextrins may be added untilthe composition comprises about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50,55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more of one or more maltodextrins(each and/or collectively) having a DEV value of about 15 to about 20.In some embodiments, the maltodextrin amount/concentration is about 1 toabout 65%, about 10% to about 30%, about 20% to about 40%, about 20% toabout 50%, or about 30 to about 60% (by weight) of the composition.

In some embodiments, the maltodextrin(s) is/are added to the compositionin an amount/concentration sufficient to ensure that at least about0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50,55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more of the microbial sporestherein survive when the inoculant composition is stored at 0, 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39and/or 40° C. and 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70,75, 80, 85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32,36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104weeks or more. In some embodiments, the maltodextrin(s) is/are added tothe composition in an amount/concentration sufficient to ensure that atleast about 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70% or more of themicrobial spores therein survive when the inoculant composition iscoated on a seed, dried and stored at 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27,28, 29 and/or 30° C. and 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85%or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44,48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks ormore.

In some embodiments, the maltodextrin(s) is/are added to the compositionin an amount/concentration sufficient to ensure that at least 1×10¹,1×10², 1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷, 1×10⁸, 1×10⁹, 1×10¹⁰, 1×10¹¹,1×10¹² cfu/seed or more of the microbial spores therein survive when theinoculant composition is coated on a seed and stored at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23,24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or40° C. and 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80,85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40,44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeksor more. In some embodiments, the maltodextrin(s) is/are added to thecomposition in an amount/concentration sufficient to ensure that atleast 1×10¹, 1×10², 1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷ cfu/seed or moreof the microbial spores therein survive when the inoculant compositionis coated on a seed and stored at 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29and/or 30° C. and 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% ormore relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44,48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks ormore.

In some embodiments, one or more oxidation control components is addedto the inoculant composition.

Any suitable oxidation control component(s) may be added to thecomposition, including, but not limited to, antioxidants and/or oxygenscavengers. In some embodiments, ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate,ascorbyl stearate, calcium ascorbate, carotenoids, glutathione, lipoicacid, phenolic compounds (e.g., flavonoids, flavones, flavonols),potassium ascorbate, sodium ascorbate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, thiols(e.g., glutathione, lipoic acid, N-acetyl cysteine), tocopherols,tocotrienols, ubiquinone and/or uric acid is added to the composition.In some embodiments, ascorbic acid is added to the composition.

The absolute value of the amount/concentration/dosage of oxidationcontrol components that is sufficient to cause the desired effect may beaffected by factors such as the type, size and volume of material towhich the compositon will be applied, the stability of the microbialspores in the composition and the storage conditions (e.g., temperature,relative humidity, duration). Those skilled in the art will understandhow to select an effective amount/concentration/dosage using routinedose-response experiments.

In some embodiments, the oxidation control component(s) is/are added tothe composition in an amount/concentration ranging from about 0.0001 toabout 5% or more (by weight) of the composition. For example, one ormore oxidation control components may be added until it/they comprise(s)about 0.0005, 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.0075, 0.01, 0.02,0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3,0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5% ormore of the composition.

In some embodiments, the oxidation control component(s) is/are added tothe composition at a concentration ranging from about 1×10⁻²⁰ M to about1×10⁻¹ M. For example, one or more oxidation control components may beadded until the composition comprises about 1×10⁻²⁰ M, 1×10⁻¹⁹M,1×10⁻¹⁸M, 1×10⁻¹⁷M, 1×10⁻¹⁶M, 1×10⁻¹⁵ 1×10⁻¹⁴ M, 1×10⁻¹³ M, 1×10⁻¹² M,1×10⁻¹¹ M, 1×10⁻¹⁰ M, 1×10⁻⁹ M, 1×10⁻⁸ M, 1×10⁻⁷ M, 1×10⁻⁶ M, 1×10⁻⁵M,1×10⁻⁴M, 1×10⁻³M, 1×10⁻² M, 1×10⁻¹M of one or more oxidation controlcomponents.

In some embodiments, the oxidation control component (s) is/are added tothe composition in an amount/concentration sufficient to ensure that atleast about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35,40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more of the microbialspores therein survive when the inoculant composition is stored at 0, 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21,22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39and/or 40° C. and 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70,75, 80, 85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32,36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104weeks or more. In some embodiments, the oxidation control component (s)is/are added to the composition in an amount/concentration sufficient toensure that at least about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70% or more of themicrobial spores therein survive when the inoculant composition iscoated on a seed, dried and stored at 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27,28, 29 and/or 30° C. and 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85%or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44,48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks ormore.

In some embodiments, the oxidation control component (s) is/are added tothe composition in an amount/concentration sufficient to ensure that atleast 1×10¹, 1×10², 1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷, 1×10⁸, 1×10⁹,1×10¹⁰, 1×10¹¹, 1×10¹² cfu/seed or more of the microbial spores thereinsurvive when the inoculant composition is coated on a seed and stored at0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19,20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37,38, 39 and/or 40° C. and 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65,70, 75, 80, 85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28,32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100,104 weeks or more. In some embodiments, the oxidation control component(s) is/are added to the composition in an amount/concentrationsufficient to ensure that at least 1×10¹, 1×10², 1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵,1×10⁶, 1×10⁷ cfu/seed or more of the microbial spores therein survivewhen the inoculant composition is coated on a seed and stored at 20, 21,22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and/or 30° C. and 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55,60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23,24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92,96, 100, 104 weeks or more.

In some embodiments, one or more hygroscopic polymers is added to theinoculant composition. For example, in some embodiments, albumin,alginate, cellulose, gums (e.g., cellulose gum, guar gum, gum arabic,gum combretum, xantham gum), methyl cellulose, nylons, pectin,polyacrylic acid, polycarbonates, polyethylene glycol (PEG),polyethylenimine (PEI), polylactides, polymethylacrylate (PMA),polyurethanes, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP),propylene glycol, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and/or starch is addedto the inoculant composition.

Non-limiting examples of hygroscopic polymers that may be useful inmethods of the present disclosure include AGRIMER™ polymers (e.g., 30,AL-10 LC, AL-22, AT/ATF, VA 3E, VA 3 l, VA 5E, VA 5l, VA 6, VA 6E, VA7E, VA 7l, VEMA AN-216, VEMA AN-990, VEMA AN-1200, VEMA AN-1980, VEMAH-815MS; Ashland Specialty Ingredients, Wilmington, Del.), EASYSPERSE™polymers (Ashland Specialty Ingredients, Wilmington, Del.); DISCO™ AGpolymers (e.g., L-250, L-280, L-285, L-286, L-320, L-323, L-517, L-519,L-520, L800; Incotec Inc., Salinas, Calif.), KELZAN® polymers (Bri-ChemSupply Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, Calif.), SEEDWORX™ polymers (e.g., Bio200; Aginnovation, LLC, Walnut Groove, Calif.), TABULOSE® gels (e.g.,SC-580, SC-612, SC-613, SC-681; Blanver Farmoquimica, Boca Raton, Fla.),TICAXAN® xanthan powders (TIC Gums, White Marsh, Md.) and combinationsthereof.

Additional examples of hygroscopic polymers that may be added toinoculant compositions of the present disclosure may be found in Pouci,et al. AM. J. AGRIC. BIOL. SCI. 3(1):299 (2008).

The absolute value of the amount/concentration/dosage of maltodextrinsthat is sufficient to cause the desired effect may be affected byfactors such as the type, size and volume of material to which thecompositon will be applied, the stability of the microbial spores in thecomposition, the identity and amounts/concentrations of other componentsin the inoculant composition (e.g., monosaccharides, disaccharides,sugar alcohols) and the storage conditions (e.g., temperature, relativehumidity, duration). Those skilled in the art will understand how toselect an effective amount/concentration/dosage using routinedose-response experiments.

Hygroscopic polymers may be add to the inoculant composition in anysuitable amount(s)/concentration(s). In some embodiments, thehygroscopic polymer(s) is/are added of the composition until it/theycomprise(s) about 0.1 to about 25% (by weight) of the inoculantcomposition. For example, inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure may comprise about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5,3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 15, 20, 25%or more (by weight) of one or more hygroscopic polymers. In someembodiments, the hygroscopic polymer amount/concentration is about 0.1,0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 or 1 to about 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3,3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5 or 10% (by weight)of the inoculant composition.

In some embodiments, the hygroscopic polymer(s) is/are added to thecomposition in an amount/concentration sufficient to ensure that atleast about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35,40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65% or more of the microbial spores in the inoculantcomposition survive following desiccation (of about 0, 5, 10, 15, 20,25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more) andstorage at 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80,85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40,44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeksor more.

In some embodiments, the hygroscopic polymer(s) is/are added to thecomposition in an amount/concentration sufficient to ensure that atleast about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35,40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65% or more of the microbial spores in the inoculantcomposition survive following storage at 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45,50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relative humidity for a periodof 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20,21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80,84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more.

In some embodiments, the hygroscopic polymer (s) is/are added to thecomposition in an amount/concentration sufficient to ensure that atleast 1×10¹, 1×10², 1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷, 1×10⁸, 1×10⁹,1×10¹⁰, 1×10¹¹, 1×10¹² cfu/seed or more of the microbial spores thereinsurvive when the inoculant composition is coated on a seed and stored at0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19,20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37,38, 39 and/or 40° C. and 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65,70, 75, 80, 85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28,32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100,104 weeks or more. In some embodiments, the hygroscopic polymer (s)is/are added to the composition in an amount/concentration sufficient toensure that at least 1×10¹, 1×10², 1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷cfu/seed or more of the microbial spores therein survive when theinoculant composition is coated on a seed and stored at 20, 21, 22, 23,24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and/or 30° C. and 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65,70, 75, 80, 85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28,32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100,104 weeks or more.

The present disclosure also provides systems and methods of usinginoculant compositions of the present disclosure in conjunction withadditional compositions comprising one or more agriculturally beneficialconstituents. The additional composition(s) may comprise any suitableagriculturally beneficial constituent(s), including, but not limited to,the agriculturally beneficial constituents described above.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosureare used in conjunction with one or more on-seed compositions, one ormore in-furrow compositions, one or more soil-applied compositionsand/or one or more foliar-applied compositions.

In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosureare used as part of an integrated disease and/or pest management system.

Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described in thefollowing numbered paragraphs:

1. An inoculant composition, comprising, consisting essentially of, orconsisting of:

microbial spores; and

a non-aqueous carrier.

2. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said microbial spores comprise about 0.1% to about 30% (byweight) of said inoculant composition, optionally about 5 to about 15%(by weight) of said composition, optionally about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25%(by weight) of said inoculant composition.

3. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said microbial spores are present in said inoculant compositionin a concentration ranging from about 1×10¹ to about 1×10²⁰colony-forming units per gram and/or milliliter of said inoculantcomposition, optionally 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷, 1×10⁸, 1×10⁹,1×10¹⁰, 1×10¹¹, 1×10¹², 1×10¹³, 1×10¹⁴, 1×10¹⁵ or more colony-formingunits per gram and/or milliliter of said inoculant composition.

4. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said microbial spores comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of spores of one or more diazotrophic microorganisms.

5. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said microbial spores comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of spores of one or more strains of Bacillus, optionally one ormore strains of Bacillus circulans, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillusmacerans, Bacillus megatarium, Bacillus polymyxa and/or Bacilluspumilus.

6. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said microbial spores comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of spores of one or more phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms.

7. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said microbial spores comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of spores of one or more strains of Penicillium, optionally oneor more strains of P. bilaiae and/or P. gaesfrivorus.

8. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said microbial spores comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of spores of one or more strains of Trichoderma, optionally oneor more strains of T. asperellum, T. afroviride, T. fertile, T. gamsii,T. hamatum, T. harzianum, T. reesi, T. virens and/or T. viridae.

9. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said microbial spores comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of spores of one or more mycorrhizal fungi.

10. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said microbial spores comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of spores of one or more strains of Gliocladium, optionally oneor more strains of Gliocladium virens, one or more strains of Glomus,optionally one or more strains of Glomus intraradices, and/or one ormore strains of Metarhizium, optionally, one or more strains ofMetarhizium anisopliae.

11. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said microbial spores comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of spores of one or more strains of Bacillus, optionallyBacillus amyloliquefaciens D747, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NRRLB-50349, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000, Bacillus amyloliquefaciensFZB24, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42, Bacillus amyloliquefaciensIN937a, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens IT-45, Bacillus amyloliquefaciensTJ1000, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MBI600, Bacillus amyloliquefaciensBS27 (deposited as NRRL B-5015), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BS2084(deposited as NRRL B-50013), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 15AP4 (depositedas ATCC PTA-6507), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 3AP4 (deposited as ATCCPTA-6506), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LSSA01 (deposited as NRRLB-50104), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ABP278 (deposited as NRRL B-50634),Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 1013 (deposited as NRRL B-50509), Bacillusamyloliquefaciens 918 (deposited as NRRL B-50508), Bacillusamyloliquefaciens 22CP1 (deposited as ATCC PTA-6508) and Bacillusamyloliquefaciens BS18 (deposited as NRRL B-50633), Bacillus cereus1-1562, Bacillus firmus 1-1582, Bacillus lichenformis BA842 (depositedas NRRL B-50516), Bacillus lichenformis BL21 (deposited as NRRLB-50134), Bacillus mycoides NRRL B-21664, Bacillus pumilus NRRL B-21662,Bacillus pumilus NRRL B-30087, Bacillus pumilus ATCC 55608, Bacilluspumilus ATCC 55609, Bacillus pumilus GB34, Bacillus pumilus KFP9F,Bacillus pumilus QST 2808, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 55078, Bacillussubtilis ATCC 55079, Bacillus subtilis MBI 600, Bacillus subtilis NRRLB-21661, Bacillus subtilis NRRL B-21665, Bacillus subtilis CX-9060,Bacillus subtilis GB03, Bacillus subtilis GB07, Bacillus subtilisQST-713, Bacillus subtilis FZB24, Bacillus subtilis D747, Bacillussubtilis 3BP5 (deposited as NRRL B-50510), Bacillus thuringiensis ATCC13367, Bacillus thuringiensis GC-91, Bacillus thuringiensis NRRLB-21619, Bacillus thuringiensis ABTS-1857, Bacillus thuringiensis SAN401 I, Bacillus thuringiensis ABG-6305, Bacillus thuringiensis ABG-6346,Bacillus thuringiensis AM65-52, Bacillus thuringiensis SA-12, Bacillusthuringiensis SB4, Bacillus thuringiensis ABTS-351, Bacillusthuringiensis HD-1, Bacillus thuringiensis EG 2348, Bacillusthuringiensis EG 7826, Bacillus thuringiensis EG 7841, Bacillusthuringiensis DSM 2803, Bacillus thuringiensis NB-125 and/or Bacillusthuringiensis NB-176.

12. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said microbial spores comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of spores of one or more strains of Gliocladium, optionallyGliocladium virens ATCC 52045 and/or Gliocladium virens GL-21, one ormore strains of Glomus, optionally Glomus intraradices RTI-801, one ormore strains of Metarhizium, optionally Metarhizium anisopliae F52,Penicillium, optionally Penicillium bilaiae ATCC 18309, Penicilliumbilaiae ATCC 20851, Penicillium bilaiae ATCC 22348, Penicillium bilaiaeNRRL 50162, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50169, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL50776, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50777, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50778,Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50777, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50778,Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50779, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50780,Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50781, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50782,Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50783, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50784,Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50785, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50786,Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50787, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50788,Penicillium bilaiae RS7B-SD1, Penicillium brevicompactum AgRF18,Penicillium canescens ATCC 10419, Penicillium expansum ATCC 24692,Penicillium expansum YT02, Penicillium fellatanum ATCC 48694,Penicillium gaestrivorus NRRL 50170, Penicillium glabrum DAOM 239074,Penicillium glabrum CBS 229.28, Penicillium janthinellum ATCC 10455,Penicillium lanosocoeruleum ATCC 48919, Penicillium radicum ATCC 201836,Penicillium radicum FRR 4717, Penicillium radicum FRR 4719, Penicilliumradicum N93/47267 and/or Penicillium raistrickii ATCC 10490, and/or oneor more strains of Trichoderma, optionally Trichoderma asperellum SKT-1,Trichoderma asperellum ICC 012, Trichoderma atroviride LC52, Trichodermaatroviride CNCM 1-1237, Trichoderma fertile JM41R, Trichoderma gamsiiICC 080, Trichoderma hamatum ATCC 52198, Trichoderma harzianum ATCC52445, Trichoderma harzianum KRL-AG2, Trichoderma harzianum T-22,Trichoderma harzianum TH-35, Trichoderma harzianum T-39, Trichodermaharzianum ICC012, Trichoderma reesi ATCC 28217, Trichoderma virens ATCC57678, Trichoderma virens G1-3, Trichoderma virens GL-21, Trichodermavirens G-41, Trichoderma viridae ATCC 52440, Trichoderma viridae ICC080and/or Trichoderma viridae TV1.

13. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said microbial spores comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of spores of one or more strains having a genomic sequence thatis at least 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99% or more identical to anyof the strains recited in paragraph 12 on the basis of 16S rDNA sequenceidentity.

14. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said microbial spores comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of spores of one or more strains having a genomic sequence thatis at least 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99% or more identical to anyof the strains recited in paragraph 13 on the basis of 16S rDNA,internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and/or cytochrome c oxidase (CO1)sequence identity.

15. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said microbial spores comprises, consists essentially of, orconsists of spores of one or more biopesticides, optionally one or morebiofungicides, one or more bioinsecticides and/or one or morebionematicides.

16. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said non-aqueous carrier comprises about 70 to about 99% (byweight) of said inoculant composition, optionally about 75 to about 95%(by weight) of said composition, optionally about 80, 80.5, 81, 81.5,82, 82.5, 83, 83.5, 84, 84.5, 85, 85.5, 86, 86.5, 87, 87.5, 88, 88.5,89, 89.5 or 90% (by weight) of said inoculant composition.

17. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said non-aqueous carrier comprises, consists essentially of orconsists of a solid non-aqueous carrier.

18. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said non-aqueous carrier comprises less than 0.01, 0.02, 0.03,0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35,0.4, 0.45, 0.5% water by weight, based upon the total weight of thecomposition.

19. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said non-aqueous carrier comprises no water.

20. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said non-aqueous carrier comprise, consist essentially of orconsists of a seed- and/or soil-compatible carrier.

21. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said non-aqueous carrier comprises, consists essentially of, orconsists of one or more maltodextrins having a dextrose equivalent valueof about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19,20, 21 22, 23, 24 or 25.

22. The inoculant composition of paragraph 1, wherein said non-aqueouscarrier comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of one or moremaltodextrins having a dextrose equivalent value of about 10 to about25, optionally about 15 to about 20.

23. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 21-22, whereinsaid one or more maltodextrins comprise about 5 to about 95% (byweight), optionally about 50 to about 95%, about 55% to about 90%, about60% to about 85%, about 65% to about 80%, or about 70 to about 80% (byweight), of said inoculant composition.

24. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 21-23, whereinsaid one or more maltodextrins is present in an amount sufficient toensure that at least about 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30,35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more of said oneor more microbial spores remain viable when said inoculant compositionis desiccated by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60,65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more.

25. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 21-24, whereinsaid one or more maltodextrins is present in an amount sufficient toensure that at least about 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30,35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more of said oneor more microbial spores remain viable when said inoculant compositionis desiccated by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60,65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more and stored at 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28,29 or 30° C. and 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70,75, 80, 85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32,36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104weeks or more.

26. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 21-25, whereinsaid one or more maltodextrins is present in an amount sufficient toensure that at least about 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30,35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more of said oneor more microbial spores remain viable when said inoculant compositionis coated on a plant propagation material and desiccated by about 5, 10,15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% ormore.

27. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 21-26, whereinsaid one or more maltodextrins is present in an amount sufficient toensure that at least about 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30,35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more of said oneor more microbial spores remain viable when said inoculant compositionis coated on a plant propagation material, desiccated by about 5, 10,15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% ormore and stored at 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30° C. and 5, 10, 15, 20,25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relativehumidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60,64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more.

28. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 21-27, whereinsaid one or more maltodextrins is present in an amount sufficient toensure that at least about 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30,35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more of said oneor more microbial spores remain viable when said inoculant compositionis stored at 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19,20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30° C. and 5, 10, 15, 20, 25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relativehumidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60,64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more.

29. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 21-28, whereinsaid one or more maltodextrins is present in an amount sufficient toensure that at least about 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30,35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more of said oneor more microbial spores remain viable when said inoculant compositionis coated on a plant propagation material.

30. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 21-29, whereinsaid one or more maltodextrins is present in an amount sufficient toensure that at least about 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30,35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more of said oneor more microbial spores remain viable when said inoculant compositionis coated on a plant propagation material and stored at 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,27, 28, 29 or 30° C. and 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60,65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23,24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92,96, 100, 104 weeks or more.

31. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 21-30, whereinsaid one or more maltodextrins is present in an amount sufficient toensure that at least about 1×10¹ to about 1×10¹⁵ colony-forming units,optionally at least 1×10¹, 1×10², 1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷,1×10⁸, 1×10⁹, 1×10¹⁰, 1×10 ¹¹, 1×10 ¹² or more colony-forming units, ofsaid one or more microbial spores per gram and/or milliliter of saidinoculant composition remain viable when said inoculant composition isdesiccated by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65,70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more.

32. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 21-31, whereinsaid one or more maltodextrins is present in an amount sufficient toensure that at least about 1×10¹ to about 1×10¹⁵ colony-forming units,optionally at least 1×10¹, 1×10², 1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷,1×10⁸, 1×10⁹, 1×10¹⁰, 1×10 ¹¹, 1×10 ¹² or more colony-forming units, ofsaid one or more microbial spores per gram and/or milliliter of saidinoculant composition remain viable when said inoculant composition isdesiccated by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65,70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more and stored at 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29or 30° C. and 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75,80, 85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32,36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104weeks or more.

33. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 21-32, whereinsaid one or more maltodextrins is present in an amount sufficient toensure that at least about 1×10¹ to about 1×10¹⁵ colony-forming units,optionally at least 1×10¹, 1×10 ², 1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷,1×10⁸, 1×10⁹, 1×10¹⁰, 1×10 ¹¹, 1×10 ¹² or more colony-forming units, ofsaid one or more microbial spores per seed remain viable when saidinoculant composition is coated on a seed and desiccated by about 5, 10,15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% ormore.

34. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 21-33, whereinsaid one or more maltodextrins is present in an amount sufficient toensure that at least about 1×10¹ to about 1×10¹⁵ colony-forming units,optionally at least 1×10¹, 1×10 ², 1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷,1×10⁸, 1×10⁹, 1×10¹⁰, 1×10 ¹¹, 1×10 ¹² or more colony-forming units, ofsaid one or more microbial spores per seed remain viable when saidinoculant composition is coated on a seed, desiccated by about 5, 10,15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% ormore and stored at 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30° C. and 25, 30, 35, 40,45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relative humidity for aperiod of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76,80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more.

35. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 21-34, whereinsaid one or more maltodextrins is present in an amount sufficient toensure that at least about 1×10¹ to about 1×10¹⁵ colony-forming units,optionally at least 1×10¹, 1×10 ², 1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷,1×10⁸, 1×10⁹, 1×10¹⁰, 1×10 ¹¹, 1×10 ¹² or more colony-forming units, ofsaid one or more microbial spores per gram and/or milliliter of saidinoculant composition remain viable when said inoculant composition isstored at 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30° C. and 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30,35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relative humidityfor a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68,72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more.

36. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 21-35, whereinsaid one or more maltodextrins is present in an amount sufficient toensure that at least about 1×10¹ to about 1×10¹⁵ colony-forming units,optionally at least 1×10¹, 1×10 ², 1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷,1×10⁸, 1×10⁹, 1×10¹⁰, 1×10 ¹¹, 1×10 ¹² or more colony-forming units, ofsaid one or more microbial spores per seed remain viable when saidinoculant composition is coated on a seed.

37. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 21-36, whereinsaid one or more maltodextrins is present in an amount sufficient toensure that at least about 1×10¹ to about 1×10¹⁵ colony-forming units,optionally at least 1×10¹, 1×10 ², 1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷,1×10⁸, 1×10⁹, 1×10¹⁰, 1×10 ¹¹, 1×10 ¹² or more colony-forming units, ofsaid one or more microbial spores per seed remain viable when saidinoculant composition is coated on a seed and stored at 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,27, 28, 29 or 30° C. and 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80,85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40,44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeksor more.

38. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said non-aqueous carrier comprises one or more disaccharides,optionally maltose, trehalose, lactose, sucrose and/or cellobiose.

39. The inoculant composition of paragraph 38, wherein said one or moredisaccharides comprise about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55,60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90% or more (by weight) of said inoculantcomposition.

40. The inoculant composition of paragraph 38, wherein said one or moredisaccharides comprises about 5 to about 90% (by weight), optionallyabout 1 to about 20%, about 1% to about 15%, about 1% to about 15%,about 5% to about 15%, or about 5 to about 10% (by weight), of saidinoculant composition.

41. The inoculant composition of paragraph 38, wherein said one or moredisaccharides constitutes about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25% of the saidinoculant composition (by weight).

42. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 38 to 41, whereinsaid one or more maltodextrins and said one or more disaccharidescollectively comprise about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55,60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more (by weight) of said inoculantcomposition.

43. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 38 to 41, whereinsaid one or more maltodextrins and said one or more disaccharidescollectively comprise about 5 to about 95% (by weight), optionally about50 to about 99%, about 55% to about 95%, about 60% to about 90%, about65% to about 90%, about 70% to about 90%, about 75% to about 90%, orabout 80 to about 90% (by weight), of said inoculant composition.

44. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 38 to 41, whereinsaid one or more maltodextrins and said one or more disaccharides arepresent in said inoculant composition in a maltodextrin:disaccharideratio of about 5:95, 10:90, 15:85, 20:80, 25:75, 30:70, 35:65, 40:60,45:55, 50:50, 55:45, 60:40, 65:35, 70:30, 75:25, 80:20, 85:15, 90:10,95:5 or more, optionally about 70:30, 75:25, 80:20, 85:15, 90:10, 95:5,96:4, 97:3, 98:2, 99:1 or more.

45. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 1-37, whereinsaid inoculant composition comprises one or more malt extracts.

46. The inoculant composition of paragraph 45, wherein said one or moremalt extracts comprise about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55,60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90% or more (by weight) of said inoculantcomposition.

47. The inoculant composition of paragraph 45, wherein said one or moremalt extracts comprises about 5 to about 90% (by weight), optionallyabout 1 to about 20%, about 1% to about 15%, about 1% to about 15%,about 5% to about 15%, or about 5 to about 10% (by weight), of saidinoculant composition.

48. The inoculant composition of paragraph 45, wherein said one or moremalt extracts constitutes about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25% of the saidinoculant composition (by weight).

49. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 45 to 48, whereinsaid one or more maltodextrins and said one or more malt extractscollectively comprise about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55,60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more (by weight) of said inoculantcomposition.

50. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 45 to 48, whereinsaid one or more maltodextrins and said one or more malt extractscollectively comprise about 5 to about 95% (by weight), optionally about50 to about 99%, about 55% to about 95%, about 60% to about 90%, about65% to about 90%, about 70% to about 90%, about 75% to about 90%, orabout 80 to about 90% (by weight), of said inoculant composition.

51. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 45 to 48, whereinsaid one or more maltodextrins and said one or more malt extracts arepresent in said inoculant composition in a maltodextrin:disaccharideratio of about 5:95, 10:90, 15:85, 20:80, 25:75, 30:70, 35:65, 40:60,45:55, 50:50, 55:45, 60:40, 65:35, 70:30, 75:25, 80:20, 85:15, 90:10,95:5 or more, optionally about 70:30, 75:25, 80:20, 85:15, 90:10, 95:5,96:4, 97:3, 98:2, 99:1 or more.

52. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said inoculant composition comprises one or more dispersants.

53. The inoculant composition of paragraph 52, wherein said one or moredispersants comprise about 0.1 to about 5% (by weight) of saidcomposition, optionally about 0.1 to about 2% (by weight) of saidcomposition, optionally about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8,0.9, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5 or 5% (by weight) of saidcomposition.

54. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 52-53, whereinsaid one or more dispersants comprises:

one or more anionic surfactants, optionally one or more alkylcarboxylates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl amido ethersulfates, alkyl aryl polyether sulfates, alkyl aryl sulfates, alkyl arylsulfonates, alkyl sulfonates, alkyl amide sulfonates, alkyl arylsulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl diphenyloxide sulfonate,alpha-olefin sulfonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonates, paraffinsulfonates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl ether sulfosuccinates,alkylamide sulfosuccinates, alkyl sulfosuccinamates, alkylsulfoacetates, alkyl phosphates, alkyl ether phosphates, acylsarconsinates, acyl isethionates, N-acyl taurates,N-acyl-N-alkyltaurates, benzene sulfonates, cumene sulfonates, dioctylsodium sulfosuccinate, ethoxylated sulfosuccinates, lignin sulfonates,linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, monoglyceride sulfates,perfluorobutanesulfonate, perfluorooctanesulfonate, phosphate ester,styrene acrylic polymers, toluene sulfonates and/or xylene sulfonates.

one or more cationic surfactants, optionally one or morealkyltrimethylammonium salts, cetylpyridinium chloride, benzalkoniumchloride, benzethonium chloride, 5-Bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane,dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide,dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide and/or octenidine dihydrochloride;and/or

one or more non-ionic surfactants, optionally one or more alcoholethoxylates, alkanolamides, alkanolamine condensates, carboxylic acidesters, cetostearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, cocamide DEA,dodecyldimethylamine oxides, ethanolamides, ethoxylates of glycerolester and glycol esters, ethylene oxide polymers, ethyleneoxide-propylene oxide copolymers, glucoside alkyl ethers, glycerol alkylethers, glycerol esters, glycol alkyl ethers, glycol alkylphenol ethers,glycol esters, monolaurin, pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ethers,poloxamer, polyamines, polyglycerol polyricinoleate, polysorbate,polyoxyethylenated fatty acids, polyoxyethylenated mercaptans,polyoxyethylenated polyoxyproylene glycols, polyoxyethylene glycolsorbitan alkyl esters, polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycolcopolymers, polyoxyethylene glycol octylphenol ethers, polyvinylpynolidones, sugar-based alkyl polyglycosides, sulfoanylamides, sorbitanfatty acid alcohol ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid ester ethoxylates,sorbitan fatty acid ester and/or tertiary acetylenic glycols; and/or

one or more wetting agents, optionally one or more naphthalenesulfonates, optionally one or more alkyl naphthalene sulfonates, one ormore isopropyl naphthalene sulfonates and/or one or more butylnaphthalene sulfonates.

55. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 52-54, whereinsaid one or more dispersants comprises one or more polyoxyethylene alkylethers, one or more acrylic copolymers, one or more polyoxyethylenesorbitan trioleates and/or one or more secondary alcohol ethoxylates.

56. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said inoculant composition comprises one or more dustsuppressants, optionally one or more adhesives, glycerin, mineral oils,paraffinic oils, vegetable oils and/or synthetic polymers.

57. The inoculant composition of paragraph 56, wherein said one or moredust suppressants comprises about 0.5 to about 15%, optionally about 1to about 10%, about 1 to about 5%, about 2 to about 5%, about 2 to about4% or about 2 to about 3 (by weight) of the inoculant composition.

58. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said inoculant composition comprises one or more protectants.

59. The inoculant composition of paragraph 58, wherein said one or moreprotectants comprise about 0.0001 to about 10% (by weight) of saidcomposition, optionally about 2 to about 6% (by weight) of saidcomposition, optionally about 0.0005, 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005,0.0075, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15,0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5,5.5, 6, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5 or 10% (by weight) of said composition.

60. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 58-59, whereinsaid one or more protectants comprises comprises one or more hygroscopicpolymers, optionally one or more albumins, alginates, celluloses, gums(e.g., cellulose gum, guar gum, gum arabic, gum combretum, xantham gum),methyl celluloses, nylons, pectins, polyacrylic acids, polycarbonates,polyethylene glycols (PEG), polyethylenimines (PEI), polylactides,polymethylacrylates (PMA), polyurethanes, polyvinyl alcohols (PVA),polyvinylpyrrolidones (PVP), propylene glycols, sodium carboxymethylcelluloses and/or starches.

61. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 58-60, whereinsaid one or more protectants comprises comprises one or more oxidationcontrol components, optionally one or more antioxidants (e.g., ascorbicacid, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl stearate, calcium ascorbate, one ormore carotenoids, lipoic acid, one or more phenolic compounds (e.g., oneor more flavonoids, flavones and/or flavonols), potassium ascorbate,sodium ascorbate, one or more thiols (e.g., glutathione, lipoic acidand/or N-acetyl cysteine), one or more tocopherols, one or moretocotrienols, ubiquinone and/or uric acid) and/or one or more oxygenscavengers, optionally ascorbic acid and/or sodium hydrogen carbonate.

62. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said inoculant composition comprises one or more pesticides,optionally:

one or more insecticides and/or nematicides, optionally one or morecarbamates, diamides, macrocyclic lactones, neonicotinoids,organophosphates, phenylpyrazoles, pyrethrins, spinosyns, syntheticpyrethroids, tetronic acids and/or tetramic acids;

one or more fungicides, optionally one or more aromatic hydrocarbons,benzimidazoles, benzthiadiazole, carboxamides, carboxylic acid amides,morpholines, phenylamides, phosphonates, quinone outside inhibitors,thiazolidines, thiophanates, thiophene carboxamides and/or triazoles;and/or one or more herbicides, optionally one or more acetyl CoAcarboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors, acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors,acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) inhibitors, photosystem II inhibitors,photosystem I inhibitors, protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO or Protox)inhibitors, carotenoid biosynthesis inhibitors, enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate (EPSP) synthase inhibitor, glutamine synthetaseinhibitor, dihydropteroate synthetase inhibitor, mitosis inhibitors,4-hydroxyphenyl-pyruvate-dioxygenase (4-HPPD) inhibitors, syntheticauxins, auxin herbicide salts, auxin transport inhibitors, and/ornucleic acid inhibitors.

63. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said inoculant composition comprises one morelipo-chitooligosaccharides, optionally one or morelipo-chitooligosaccharides represented by formulas I-IV.

64. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said inoculant composition comprises one morelipo-chitooligosaccharides, optionally one or more of thelipo-chitooligosaccharides represented by structures V-XXXIII.

65. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said inoculant composition comprises one or morechitooligosaccharides, optionally one or more chitooligosaccharidesrepresented by formulas XXXI-VXXXV.

66. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said inoculant composition comprises one or morechitooligosaccharides, optionally one or more chitooligosaccharidesrepresented by structures XXXVI-XXXIX.

67. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said inoculant composition comprises one or more chitinouscompounds, optionally one or more chitins and/or one or more chitosans.

68. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said inoculant composition comprises one or more flavonoids,optionally:

one or more anthocyanidins, optionally cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin,pelargonidin, peonidin and/or petunidin;

one or more anthoxanthins, optionally one or more flavones, such asapigenin, baicalein, chrysin, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, diosmin, flavoxate,6-hydroxyflavone, luteolin, scutellarein, tangeritin and/or wogonin;and/or flavonols, such as amurensin, astragalin, azaleatin, azalein,fisetin, furanoflavonols galangin, gossypetin, 3-hydroxyflavone,hyperoside, icariin, isoquercetin, kaempferide, kaempferitrin,kaempferol, isorhamnetin, morin, myricetin, myricitrin, natsudaidain,pachypodol, pyranoflavonols quercetin, quericitin, rhanmazin, rhamnetin,robinin, rutin, spiraeoside, troxerutin and/or zanthorhamnin;

one or more flavanones, optionally butin, eriodictyol, hesperetin,hesperidin, homoeriodictyol, isosakuranetin, naringenin, naringin,pinocembrin, poncirin, sakuranetin, sakuranin and/or sterubin;

one or more flavanonols, optionally dihydrokaempferol and/or taxifolin;flavans, such as flavan-3-ols (e.g., catechin (C), catechin 3-gallate(Cg), epicatechins (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC) epicatechin 3-gallate(ECg), epigallcatechin 3-gallate (EGCg), epiafzelechin, fisetinidol,gallocatechin (GC), gallcatechin 3-gallate (GCg), guibourtinidol,mesquitol, robinetinidol, theaflavin-3-gallate, theaflavin-3′-gallate,theflavin-3,3′-digallate, thearubigin), flavan-4-ols (e.g., apiforoland/or luteoforol) and/or flavan-3,4-diols (e.g., leucocyanidin,leucodelphinidin, leucofisetinidin, leucomalvidin, luecopelargonidin,leucopeonidin, leucorobinetinidin, melacacidin and/or teracacidin);and/or

one or more isoflavonoids, optionally one or more isoflavones, such asbiochanin A, daidzein, formononetin, genistein and/or glycitein;isoflavanes, such as equol, ionchocarpane and/or laxifloorane;isoflavandiols; isoflavenes, such asglabrene, haginin D and/or2-methoxyjudaicin; coumestans, such as coumestrol, plicadin and/orwedelolactone; pterocarpans; and/or roetonoids; and/or

one or more neoflavonoids, optionally calophyllolide, coutareagenin,dalbergichromene, dalbergin and/or nivetin; and/or

one or more pterocarpans, optionally bitucarpin A, bitucarpin B,erybraedin A, erybraedin B, erythrabyssin II, erthyrabissin-1,erycristagallin, glycinol, glyceollidins, glyceollins, glycyrrhizol,maackiain, medicarpin, morisianine, orientanol, phaseolin, pisatin,striatine and/or trifolirhizin.

69. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said inoculant composition comprises jasmonic acid and/or one ormore derivatives thereof.

70. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said inoculant composition comprises linoleic acid and/or one ormore derivatives thereof.

71. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said inoculant composition comprises linolenic acid and/or oneor more derivatives thereof.

72. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said inoculant composition comprises one or more karrakins,optionally one or more karrakins represented by formula XXXX.

73. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said inoculant composition comprises gluconolactone.

74. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said inoculant composition comprises one or more drying agents,optionally calcium stearate, one or more clays, graphite, magnesiumstearate, magnesium sulfate, powdered milk, one or more silica powders,soy lecithin and/or talc.

75. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said inoculant composition comprises one or more biostimulants,optionally one or more seaweed extracts, one or more humic acids, one ormore fulvic acids, myo-inositol and/or glycine.

76. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said inoculant composition comprises one or more microbialextracts, optionally one or more extracts from media comprising one ormore diazotrophic, phosphosphate-solubilizing and/or biopesticidalmicroorganisms.

77. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said inoculant composition comprises one or more nutrients,optionally one or more vitamins (e.g., vitamin A, vitamin B complex(i.e., vitamin B₁, vitamin B₂, vitamin B₃, vitamin B₅, vitamin B₆,vitamin B₇, vitamin B₈, vitamin B₉, vitamin B₁₂, choline) vitamin C,vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene,cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene and/or zeaxanthin), macrominerals (e.g.,calcium, iron, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and/orsodium), trace minerals (e.g., boron, cobalt, chloride, chromium,copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium and/orzinc) and/or organic acids (e.g., acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid,malic acid and/or taurine).

78. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said inoculant composition comprises one or more growth media,optionally YEM media, mannitol yeast extract, glycerol yeast extract,Czapek-Dox media and/or potato dextrose broth.

79. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said inoculant composition comprises one or more agriculturallyacceptable anti-freezing agents, optionally ethylene glycol, glycerin,propylene glycol and/or urea.

80. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said inoculant composition comprises a trace amount of water.

81. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said inoculant composition comprises, consists essentially of oris a solid.

82. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein said inoculant composition comprises, consists essentially of oris a wettable powder.

83. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein at least about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20,25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more ofsaid one or more microbial spores remain viable when said inoculantcomposition is stored at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31,32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40° C. and 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30,35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relative humidityfor a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68,72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more.

84. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein at least about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20,25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more ofsaid one or more microbial spores remain viable when said inoculantcomposition is coated on a plant propagation material.

85. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein at least about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20,25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more ofsaid one or more microbial spores remain viable when said inoculantcomposition is coated on a plant propagation material and stored at 0,1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38,39 and/or 40° C. and 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65,70, 75, 80, 85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28,32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100,104 weeks or more.

86. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein at least about 1×10¹ to about 1×10¹⁰ colony-forming units ofsaid one or more microbial spores per gram and/or milliliter of saidinoculant composition remain viable when said inoculant composition isstored at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35,36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40° C. and 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50,55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22,23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88,92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more, optionally at least 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶,1×10⁷ or more colony-forming units per gram and/or milliliter of saidinoculant composition.

87. The inoculant composition of any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein at least about 1×10¹ to about 1×10¹⁰ colony-forming units ofsaid one or more microbial spores per seed remain viable when saidinoculant composition is coated on a seed and stored at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23,24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or40° C. and 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75,80, 85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32,36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104weeks or more, optionally 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷ or morecolony-forming units per seed.

88. A coated plant propagation material, comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of:

a plant propagation material; and

a coating that covers at least a portion of an outer surface of saidseed, said coating comprising, consisting essentially of, or consistingof the inoculant composition of any one of claims 1-87.

89. The coated plant propagation material paragraph 88, wherein saidcoating comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of an innercoating layer that comprises said microbial spores and an outer coatinglayer that is devoid of said microbial spores.

90. The coated plant propagation material of any one of paragraphs88-89, wherein said coating comprises, consists essentially of or is anamorphous solid.

91. The coated plant propagation material of any one of paragraphs88-89, wherein said coating comprises, consists essentially of or is awettable powder.

92. The coated plant propagation material of any one of paragraphs88-91, wherein said coating comprises about 1×10¹ to about 1×10¹⁵colony-forming units of said microbial spores, optionally 1×10¹, 1×10²,1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷, 1×10⁸, 1×10⁹, 1×10¹⁰, 1×10¹¹, 1×10¹²or more colony-forming units.

93. The coated plant propagation material any one of paragraphs 88-92,wherein said plant propagation material is a seed.

94. The coated plant propagation material of paragraph 93, wherein saidseed is a monocot seed.

95. The coated plant propagation material of paragraph 93, wherein saidseed is a dicot seed.

96. The coated plant propagation material of paragraph 93, wherein saidseed is a leguminous seed.

97. The coated plant propagation material of paragraph 93, wherein saidseed is a non-leguminous seed.

98. The coated plant propagation material of any one of paragraphs88-93, wherein said plant propagation material is of the familyAmaranthaceae, optionally chard, spinach, sugar beet, or quinoa.

99. The coated plant propagation material of any one of paragraphs88-93, wherein said plant propagation material is of the familyAsteraceae, optionally artichoke, asters, chamomile, chicory,chrysanthemums, dahlias, daisies, echinacea, goldenrod, guayule,lettuce, marigolds, safflower, sunflowers, or zinnias.

100. The coated plant propagation material of any one of paragraphs88-93, wherein said plant propagation material is of the familyBrassicaceae, optionally arugula, broccoli, bok choy, Brussels sprouts,cabbage, cauliflower, canola, collard greens, daikon, garden cress,horseradish, kale, mustard, radish, rapeseed, rutabaga, turnip, wasabi,watercress, or Arabidopsis thaliana.

101. The coated plant propagation material of any one of paragraphs88-93, wherein said plant propagation material is of the familyCucurbitaceae, optionally cantaloupe, cucumber, honeydew, melon,pumpkin, squash (e.g., acorn squash, butternut squash, summer squash),watermelon, or zucchini.

102. The coated plant propagation material of any one of paragraphs88-93, wherein said plant propagation material is of the familyFabaceae, optionally alfalfa, beans, carob, clover, guar, lentils,mesquite, peas, peanuts, soybeans, tamarind, tragacanth, or vetch.

103. The coated plant propagation material of any one of paragraphs88-93, wherein said plant propagation material is of the familyMalvaceae, optionally cacao, cotton, durian, hibiscus, kenaf, kola, orokra.

104. The coated plant propagation material of any one of paragraphs88-93, wherein said plant propagation material is of the family Poaceae,optionally bamboo, barley, corn, fonio, lawn grass (e.g., Bahia grass,Bermudagrass, bluegrass, Buffalograss, Centipede grass, Fescue, orZoysia), millet, oats, ornamental grasses, rice, lye, sorghum, sugarcane, triticale, or wheat.

105. The coated plant propagation material of any one of paragraphs88-93, wherein said plant propagation material is of the familyPolygonaceae, optionally buckwheat.

106. The coated plant propagation material of any one of paragraphs88-93, wherein said plant propagation material is of the familyRosaceae, optionally almonds, apples, apricots, blackberry, blueberry,cherries, peaches, plums, quinces, raspberries, roses, or strawberries.

107. The coated plant propagation material of any one of paragraphs88-93, wherein said plant propagation material is of the familySolanaceae, optionally bell peppers, chili peppers, eggplant, petunia,potato, tobacco, or tomato.

108. The coated plant propagation material of any one of paragraphs88-93, wherein said plant propagation material is of the familyVitaceae, optionally grape.

109. A kit, comprising:

-   -   the coated plant propagation material of any one of paragraphs        88-108; and    -   a container housing said coated plant propagation material.

110. The kit of claim 109, wherein said container reduces the amount ofambient light that reaches said coated plant propagation material byabout 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85,90, 95 or 100% when sealed.

111. The kit of any one of paragraphs 109-110, wherein said containerreduces the amount of ambient oxygen that reaches said plant propagationmaterial by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70,75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100% when sealed.

112. The kit of any one of paragraphs 109-111, wherein said containercomprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a material havinglight permeability of less than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15,20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 or 75%.

113. The kit of any one of paragraphs 109-112, wherein said containercomprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a material having anoxygen transmission rate of less than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35,40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300,325, 350, 375, 400, 425, 450, 475, or 500 cm³/m²·day (as measured inaccordance with ASTM D3985).

114. The kit of any one of paragraphs 109-113, wherein said kit furthercomprises one or more oxygen-absorbing compound, optionally activatedcarbon, iron powder, sodium chloride, ferrous carbonate, one or moremetal halide catalysts and/or sodium hydrogen carbonate.

115. A plant treated with the inoculant composition of any one ofparagraphs 1-87.

116. A plant germinated from the coated plant propagation material ofany one of paragraphs 88-108.

117. A plant part harvested from the plant of any one of paragraphs115-116.

118. A processed product produced from the plant part of paragraph 117.

119. A crop comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of aplurality of the plant or plant part of any one of paragraphs 115-117.

120. A method, comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of:

applying the inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 1-87 to aplant propagation material.

121. The method of paragraph 120, further comprising planting said plantpropagation material in a growth medium, optionally soil.

122. The method of paragraph 121, wherein said plant propagationmaterial is planted in soil in which plants of the same genus werecultivated in at least one of the three years prior to said planting,optionally in each of the one, two or three years immediately precedingsaid planting.

123. The method of any one of paragraphs 121-122, wherein said inoculantcomposition is applied to the plant propagation material at the time ofplanting.

124. The method of any one of paragraphs 121-122, wherein said inoculantcomposition is applied to the plant propagation material at least 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42,45, 48 hours or more prior to planting.

125. The method of any one of paragraphs 121-122, wherein said inoculantcomposition is applied to the plant propagation material at least 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23,24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92,96, 100, 104 weeks or more prior to planting.

126. The method of any one of paragraphs 121-122, wherein said inoculantcomposition is applied to the plant propagation material about 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 months or moreprior to planting.

127. The method of any one of paragraphs 121-126, wherein said plantpropagation material is a seed.

128. The method of any one of paragraphs 121-126, wherein said plantpropagation material is a monocot seed.

129. The method of any one of paragraphs 121-126, wherein said plantpropagation material is a dicot seed.

130. The method of any one of paragraphs 121-126, wherein said plantpropagation material is a leguminous seed.

131. The method of any one of paragraphs 121-126, wherein said plantpropagation material is a non-leguminous seed.

132. The method of any one of paragraphs 121-131, wherein said plantpropagation material is of the family Amaranthaceae, optionally chard,spinach, sugar beet, or quinoa.

133. The method of any one of paragraphs 121-131, wherein said plantpropagation material is of the family Asteraceae, optionally artichoke,asters, chamomile, chicory, chrysanthemums, dahlias, daisies, echinacea,goldenrod, guayule, lettuce, marigolds, safflower, sunflowers, orzinnias.

134. The method of any one of paragraphs 121-131, wherein said plantpropagation material is of the family Brassicaceae, optionally arugula,broccoli, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, canola,collard greens, daikon, garden cress, horseradish, kale, mustard,radish, rapeseed, rutabaga, turnip, wasabi, watercress, or Arabidopsisthaliana.

135. The method of any one of paragraphs 121-131, wherein said plantpropagation material is of the family Cucurbitaceae, optionallycantaloupe, cucumber, honeydew, melon, pumpkin, squash (e.g., acornsquash, butternut squash, summer squash), watermelon, or zucchini.

136. The method of any one of paragraphs 121-131, wherein said plantpropagation material is of the family Fabaceae, optionally alfalfa,beans, carob, clover, guar, lentils, mesquite, peas, peanuts, soybeans,tamarind, tragacanth, or vetch.

137. The method of any one of paragraphs 121-131, wherein said plantpropagation material is of the family Malvaceae, optionally cacao,cotton, durian, hibiscus, kenaf, kola, or okra.

138. The method of any one of paragraphs 121-131, wherein said plantpropagation material is of the family Poaceae, optionally bamboo,barley, corn, fonio, lawn grass (e.g., Bahia grass, Bermudagrass,bluegrass, Buffalograss, Centipede grass, Fescue, or Zoysia), millet,oats, ornamental grasses, rice, lye, sorghum, sugar cane, triticale, orwheat.

139. The method of any one of paragraphs 121-131, wherein said plantpropagation material is of the family Polygonaceae, optionallybuckwheat.

140. The method of any one of paragraphs 121-131, wherein said plantpropagation material is of the family Rosaceae, optionally almonds,apples, apricots, blackberry, blueberry, cherries, peaches, plums,quinces, raspberries, roses, or strawberries.

141. The method of any one of paragraphs 121-131, wherein said plantpropagation material is of the family Solanaceae, optionally bellpeppers, chili peppers, eggplant, petunia, potato, tobacco, or tomato.

142. The method of any one of paragraphs 121-131, wherein plantpropagation material seed is of the family Vitaceae, optionally grape.

143. A method comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of:

planting the coated plant propagation material of any one of paragraphs88-108 in a growth medium, optionally soil.

144. The method of any one of paragraphs 121-143, further comprisingapplying the inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 1-87 to theplant that grows from the plant propagation material.

145. A method of enhancing the stability and/or survivability of one ormore microorganisms in a composition, comprising, consisting essentiallyof, or consisting of:

-   -   adding one or more protectants to said composition.

146. The method of paragraph 145, wherein said one or more protectantscomprises, consists essentially of, or consists of:

one or more maltodextrins having a dextrose equivalent value of about 10to about 25, optionally about 15 to about 20;

one or more hygroscopic polymers, optionally one or more albumins,alginates, celluloses, gums (e.g., cellulose gum, guar gum, gum arabic,gum combretum, xantham gum), methyl celluloses, nylons, pectins,polyacrylic acids, polycarbonates, polyethylene glycols (PEG),polyethylenimines (PEI), polylactides, polymethylacrylates (PMA),polyurethanes, polyvinyl alcohols (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidones (PVP),propylene glycols, sodium carboxymethyl celluloses and/or starches;and/or

oxidation control components, optionally one or more antioxidants (e.g.,ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl stearate, calcium ascorbate,one or more carotenoids, lipoic acid, one or more phenolic compounds(e.g., one or more flavonoids, flavones and/or flavonols), potassiumascorbate, sodium ascorbate, one or more thiols (e.g., glutathione,lipoic acid and/or N-acetyl cysteine), one or more tocopherols, one ormore tocotrienols, ubiquinone and/or uric acid) and/or one or moreoxygen scavengers, optionally ascorbic acid and/or sodium hydrogencarbonate.

147. The method of any one of paragraphs 145-146, wherein said one ormore protectants is added until it comprises about 0.0001 to about 10%(by weight) of said composition, optionally about 2 to about 6% (byweight) of said composition, optionally about 0.0005, 0.001, 0.002,0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.0075, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07,0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2,2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5 or 10% (byweight) of said composition.

148. The method of any one of paragraphs 145-147, wherein said one ormore protectants is added in an amount sufficient to ensure that atleast about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35,40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more of saidmicrobial spores remain viable when said inoculant composition is storedat 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19,20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37,38, 39 and/or 40° C. and 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80,85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40,44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeksor more.

149. The method of any one of paragraphs 145-148, wherein said one ormore protectants is added in an amount sufficient to ensure that atleast about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35,40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more of saidmicrobial spores remain viable when said inoculant composition is coatedon a plant propagation material.

150. The method of any one of paragraphs 145-149, wherein said one ormore protectants is added in an amount sufficient to ensure that atleast about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35,40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more of saidmicrobial spores remain viable when said inoculant composition is coatedon a plant propagation material and stored at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40° C. and 25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relativehumidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60,64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more.

151. The method of any one of paragraphs 145-150, wherein said one ormore protectants is added in an amount sufficient to ensure that atleast about 1×10¹ to about 1×10¹⁵ colony-forming units of said microbialspores per gram and/or milliliter of said inoculant composition remainviable when said inoculant composition is stored at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40° C. and25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relativehumidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60,64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more, optionallyat least 1×10¹, 1×10², 1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷, 1×10⁸, 1×10⁹,1×10¹⁰, 1×10¹¹, 1×10¹² or more colony-forming units per gram and/ormilliliter of said inoculant composition.

152. The method of any one of paragraphs 145-151, wherein said one ormore protectants is added in an amount sufficient to ensure that atleast about 1×10¹ to about 1×10¹⁵ colony-forming units of said microbialspores per seed remain viable when said inoculant composition is coatedon a seed and stored at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31,32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40° C. and 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50,55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or more relative humidity for a period of 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22,23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88,92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more, optionally 1×10¹, 1×10², 1×10³, 1×10⁴,1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷, 1×10⁸, 1×10⁹, 1×10¹⁰, 1×10¹¹, 1×10¹² or morecolony-forming units per seed.

153. The method of any of paragraphs 145-152, further comprising:

-   -   adding one or more dispersants to said composition.

154. The method of paragraph 153, wherein said one or more dispersantscomprises:

one or more anionic surfactants, optionally one or more alkylcarboxylates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl amido ethersulfates, alkyl aryl polyether sulfates, alkyl aryl sulfates, alkyl arylsulfonates, alkyl sulfonates, alkyl amide sulfonates, alkyl arylsulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl diphenyloxide sulfonate,alpha-olefin sulfonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonates, paraffinsulfonates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl ether sulfosuccinates,alkylamide sulfosuccinates, alkyl sulfosuccinamates, alkylsulfoacetates, alkyl phosphates, alkyl ether phosphates, acylsarconsinates, acyl isethionates, N-acyl taurates,N-acyl-N-alkyltaurates, benzene sulfonates, cumene sulfonates, dioctylsodium sulfosuccinate, ethoxylated sulfosuccinates, lignin sulfonates,linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, monoglyceride sulfates,perfluorobutanesulfonate, perfluorooctanesulfonate, phosphate ester,styrene acrylic polymers, toluene sulfonates and/or xylene sulfonates.

one or more cationic surfactants, optionally one or morealkyltrimethylammonium salts, cetylpyridinium chloride, benzalkoniumchloride, benzethonium chloride, 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane,dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide,dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide and/or octenidine dihydrochloride;and/or

one or more non-ionic surfactants, optionally one or more alcoholethoxylates, alkanolamides, alkanolamine condensates, carboxylic acidesters, cetostearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, cocamide DEA,dodecyldimethylamine oxides, ethanolamides, ethoxylates of glycerolester and glycol esters, ethylene oxide polymers, ethyleneoxide-propylene oxide copolymers, glucoside alkyl ethers, glycerol alkylethers, glycerol esters, glycol alkyl ethers, glycol alkylphenol ethers,glycol esters, monolaurin, pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ethers,poloxamer, polyamines, polyglycerol polyricinoleate, polysorbate,polyoxyethylenated fatty acids, polyoxyethylenated mercaptans,polyoxyethylenated polyoxyproylene glycols, polyoxyethylene glycolsorbitan alkyl esters, polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycolcopolymers, polyoxyethylene glycol octylphenol ethers, polyvinylpynolidones, sugar-based alkyl polyglycosides, sulfoanylamides, sorbitanfatty acid alcohol ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid ester ethoxylates,sorbitan fatty acid ester and/or tertiary acetylenic glycols; and/or

one or more wetting agents, optionally one or more naphthalenesulfonates, optionally one or more alkyl naphthalene sulfonates, one ormore isopropyl naphthalene sulfonates and/or one or more butylnaphthalene sulfonates.

155. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 153-154, whereinsaid one or more dispersants comprises one or more polyoxyethylene alkylethers, one or more acrylic copolymers, one or more polyoxyethylenesorbitan trioleates and/or one or more secondary alcohol ethoxylates.

156. The method of any one of claims 145-155, further:

-   -   adding one or more non-aqueous microbial extracts to said        composition.

157. The method of paragraph 156, wherein said one or more non-aqueousmicrobial extracts comprises:

one or more Bacillus extracts, optionally an extract of media comprisingB. amyloliquefaciens D747, B. amyloliquefaciens NRRL B-50349, B.amyloliquefaciens TJ1000, B. amyloliquefaciens FZB24, B.amyloliquefaciens FZB42, B. amyloliquefaciens IN937a, B.amyloliquefaciens IT-45, B. amyloliquefaciens TJ1000, B.amyloliquefaciens MBI600, B. amyloliquefaciens BS27 (deposited as NRRLB-5015), B. amyloliquefaciens BS2084 (deposited as NRRL B-50013), B.amyloliquefaciens 15AP4 (deposited as ATCC PTA-6507), B.amyloliquefaciens 3AP4 (deposited as ATCC PTA-6506), B.amyloliquefaciens LSSA01 (deposited as NRRL B-50104), B.amyloliquefaciens ABP278 (deposited as NRRL B-50634), B.amyloliquefaciens 1013 (deposited as NRRL B-50509), B. amyloliquefaciens918 (deposited as NRRL B-50508), B. amyloliquefaciens 22CP1 (depositedas ATCC PTA-6508) and B. amyloliquefaciens BS18 (deposited as NRRLB-50633), B. cereus 1-1562, B. firmus 1-1582, B. lichenformis BA842(deposited as NRRL B-50516), B. lichenformis BL21 (deposited as NRRLB-50134), B. mycoides NRRL B-21664, B. pumilus NRRL B-21662, B. pumilusNRRL B-30087, B. pumilus ATCC 55608, B. pumilus ATCC 55609, B. pumilusGB34, B. pumilus KFP9F, B. pumilus QST 2808, B. subtilis ATCC 55078, B.subtilis ATCC 55079, B. subtilis MBI 600, B. subtilis NRRL B-21661, B.subtilis NRRL B-21665, B. subtilis CX-9060, B. subtilis GB03, B.subtilis GB07, B. subtilis QST-713, B. subtilis FZB24, B. subtilis D747,B. subtilis 3BP5 (deposited as NRRL B-50510), B. thuringiensis ATCC13367, B. thuringiensis GC-91, B. thuringiensis NRRL B-21619, B.thuringiensis ABTS-1857, B. thuringiensis SAN 401 I, B. thuringiensisABG-6305, B. thuringiensis ABG-6346, B. thuringiensis AM65-52, B.thuringiensis SA-12, B. thuringiensis SB4, B. thuringiensis ABTS-351, B.thuringiensis HD-1, B. thuringiensis EG 2348, B. thuringiensis EG 7826,B. thuringiensis EG 7841, B. thuringiensis DSM 2803, B. thuringiensisNB-125 and/or B. thuringiensis NB-176;

one or more Bradyrhizobium extracts, optionally an extract of mediacomprising B. elkanii SEMIA 501, B. elkanii SEMIA 587, B. elkanii SEMIA5019, B. japonicum NRRL B-50586 (also deposited as NRRL B-59565), B.japonicum NRRL B-50587 (also deposited as NRRL B-59566), B. japonicumNRRL B-50588 (also deposited as NRRL B-59567), B. japonicum NRRL B-50589(also deposited as NRRL B-59568), B. japonicum NRRL B-50590 (alsodeposited as NRRL B-59569), B. japonicum NRRL B-50591 (also deposited asNRRL B-59570), B. japonicum NRRL B-50592 (also deposited as NRRLB-59571), B. japonicum NRRL B-50593 (also deposited as NRRL B-59572), B.japonicum NRRL B-50594 (also deposited as NRRL B-50493), B. japonicumNRRL B-50608, B. japonicum NRRL B-50609, B. japonicum NRRL B-50610, B.japonicum NRRL B-50611, B. japonicum NRRL B-50612, B. japonicum NRRLB-50726, B. japonicum NRRL B-50727, B. japonicum NRRL B-50728, B.japonicum NRRL B-50729, B. japonicum NRRL B-50730, B. japonicum SEMIA566, B. japonicum SEMIA 5079, B. japonicum SEMIA 5080, B. japonicum USDA6, B. japonicum USDA 110, B. japonicum USDA 122, B. japonicum USDA 123,B. japonicum USDA 127, B. japonicum USDA 129 and/or B. japonicum USDA532C;

one or more Rhizobium extracts, optionally an extract of mediacomprising R. leguminosarum 5012A-2;

one or more Sinorhizobium extracts, optionally an extract of mediacomprising S. fredii CCBAU114 and/or S. fredii USDA 205;

one or more Penicillium extracts, optionally an extract of mediacomprising P. bilaiae ATCC 18309, P. bilaiae ATCC 20851, P. bilaiae ATCC22348, P. bilaiae NRRL 50162, P. bilaiae NRRL 50169, P. bilaiae NRRL50776, P. bilaiae NRRL 50777, P. bilaiae NRRL 50778, P. bilaiae NRRL50777, P. bilaiae NRRL 50778, P. bilaiae NRRL 50779, P. bilaiae NRRL50780, P. bilaiae NRRL 50781, P. bilaiae NRRL 50782, P. bilaiae NRRL50783, P. bilaiae NRRL 50784, P. bilaiae NRRL 50785, P. bilaiae NRRL50786, P. bilaiae NRRL 50787, P. bilaiae NRRL 50788, P. bilaiaeRS7B-SD1, P. brevicompactum AgRF18, P. canescens ATCC 10419, P. expansumATCC 24692, P. expansum YT02, P. fellatanum ATCC 48694, P. gaestrivorusNRRL 50170, P. glabrum DAOM 239074, P. glabrum CBS 229.28, P.janthinellum ATCC 10455, P. lanosocoeruleum ATCC 48919, P. radicum ATCC201836, P. radicum FRR 4717, P. radicum FRR 4719, P. radicum N93/47267and/or P. raistrickii ATCC 10490;

one or more Sfreptomyces extracts, optionally an extract of mediacomprising Streptomyces NRRL B-30145, Sfreptomyces M1064, S. galbus NRRL30232, S, lydicus WYEC 108 (ATCC 55445), S. violaceusniger YCED 9 (ATCC55660) and/or Streptomyces WYE 53 (ATCC 55750); and/or

one or more Trichoderma extracts, optionally an extract of mediacomprising T. asperellum SKT-1 (ECO-HOPE®, Kumiai Chemical Industry Co.,Ltd., Japan), T. atroviride LC52 (SENTINEL®, Agrimm Technologies Ltd,NZ), T. harzianum T-22 (PLANTSHIELD®, der Firma BioWorks Inc., USA), T.harzianum TH-35 (ROOT PRO®, from Mycontrol Ltd., Israel), T. harzianumT-39 (TRICHODEX®, Mycontrol Ltd., Israel; T. 2000®, Makhteshim Ltd.,Israel), T. harzianum ICC012 and T. viride TRICHOPEL (AgrimmTechnologies Ltd, NZ), T. harzianum ICC012 and T. viride ICC080(REMEDIER® WP, Isagro Ricerca, Italy), T. polysporum and T. harzianum(BINAB®, BINAB Bio-Innovation AB, Sweden), T. stromaticum TRICOVAB®(C.E.P.L.A.C., Brazil), T. virens GL-21 (SOILGARD®, Certis LLC, USA), T.virens G1-3, ATCC 57678, T. virens G1-21 (Thermo Trilogy Corporation,Wasco, Calif.), T. virens G1-3 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB2, T.virens G1-3 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NRRL B-50349, T. virens G1-3and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000, T. virens G1-21 and Bacillusamyloliquefaciens FZB24, T. virens G1-21 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciensNRRL B-50349, T. virens G1-21 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000, T.viride TRIECO® (Ecosense Labs. (India) Pvt. Ltd., Indien, BIO-CURE® Ffrom T. Stanes & Co. Ltd., Indien), T. viride TV1 (Agribiotec srl,Italy), T. viride ICC080.

158. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 156-157, whereinsaid one or more non-aqueous microbial extracts comprises less than0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2,0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5% water by weight, based upon the totalweight of the composition.

159. The method of any one of paragraphs 156-158, wherein said one ormore non-aqueous microbial extracts is added until it comprises about0.1 to about 5% (by weight) of said composition, optionally about 0.1 toabout 2% (by weight) of said composition, optionally about 0.1, 0.15,0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8,0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1,2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6,3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5% ormore (by weight) of said composition.

160. A method, comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of:

applying the inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 1-87 to aseed and/or to the plant that grows from said seed;

applying a second composition to said seed and/or to the plant thatgrows from said seed, said second composition comprising:

-   -   one or more agriculturally beneficial microorganisms, optionally        one or more diazotrophs, one or more phosphate-solubilizing        microorganisms, one or more mycorrhizal fungi and/or one or more        biopesticides, optionally one or more biofungicides, one or more        bioinsecticides and/or one or more bionematicides;    -   one or more biostimulants, optionally one or more seaweed        extracts, one or more humic acids, one or more fulvic acids,        myo-inositol and/or glycine;    -   one or more nutrients, optionally one or more vitamins (e.g.,        vitamin A, vitamin B complex (i.e., vitamin B1, vitamin B2,        vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B8,        vitamin B9, vitamin B12, choline) vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin        E, vitamin K, carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene,        cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene and/or zeaxanthin),        macrominerals (e.g., calcium, iron, magnesium, nitrogen,        phosphorous, potassium and/or sodium), trace minerals (e.g.,        boron, cobalt, chloride, chromium, copper, fluoride, iodine,        iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium and/or zinc) and/or        organic acids (e.g., acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid,        malic acid and/or taurine);

one or more fungicides, optionally one or more of the fungicidesdisclosed on pages 31-32 above;

one or more herbicides, optionally one or more of the herbicidesdisclosed on page 33-34 above;

one or more insecticides, optionally one or more of the insecticidesdisclosed on page 30 above;

one or more nematicides, optionally one or more of the nematicidesdisclosed on page 30 above;

one or more lipo-chitooligosaccharides, optionally one or more of thelipo-chitooligosaccharides represented by formulas I—IV and/or one ormore of the lipo-chitooligosaccharides represented by structuresV-XXXIII

one or more chitooligosaccharides, optionally one or more of thechitooligosaccharides represented by formulas XXXIV-XXXV and/or one ormore of the chitooligosaccharides represented by structures XXXVI-XXXIX,

one or more chitinous compounds, optionally one or more chitins and/orone or more chitosans;

one or more flavonoids, optionally one or more anthocyanidins, such ascyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, peonidin and/orpetunidin; anthoxanthins, such as flavones (e.g., apigenin, baicalein,chrysin, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, diosmin, flavoxate, 6-hydroxyflavone,luteolin, scutellarein, tangeritin and/or wogonin) and/or flavonols(e.g., amurensin, astragalin, azaleatin, azalein, fisetin,furanoflavonols galangin, gossypetin, 3-hydroxyflavone,hyperoside,icariin, isoquercetin, kaempferide, kaempferitrin,kaempferol, isorhamnetin, morin, myricetin, myricitrin, natsudaidain,pachypodol, pyranoflavonols quercetin, quericitin, rhanmazin, rhamnetin,robinin, rutin, spiraeoside, troxerutin and/or zanthorhamnin);flavanones, such as butin, eriodictyol, hesperetin, hesperidin,homoeriodictyol, isosakuranetin, naringenin, naringin, pinocembrin,poncirin, sakuranetin, sakuranin and/or sterubin; flavanonols, such asdihydrokaempferol and/or taxifolin; flavans, such as flavan-3-ols (e.g.,catechin (C), catechin 3-gallate (Cg), epicatechins (EC),epigallocatechin (EGC) epicatechin 3-gallate (ECg), epigallcatechin3-gallate (EGCg), epiafzelechin, fisetinidol, gallocatechin (GC),gallcatechin 3-gallate (GCg), guibourtinidol, mesquitol, robinetinidol,theaflavin-3-gallate, theaflavin-3′-gallate, theflavin-3,3′-digallate,thearubigin), flavan-4-ols (e.g., apiforol and/or luteoforol) and/orflavan-3,4-diols (e.g., leucocyanidin, leucodelphinidin,leucofisetinidin, leucomalvidin, luecopelargonidin, leucopeonidin,leucorobinetinidin, melacacidin and/or teracacidin); and/orisoflavonoids, such as isoflavones (e.g, biochanin A, daidzein,formononetin, genistein and/or glycitein), isoflavanes (e.g., equol,ionchocarpane and/or laxifloorane), isoflavandiols, isoflavenes (e.g.,glabrene, haginin D and/or 2-methoxyjudaicin), coumestans (e.g.,coumestrol, plicadin and/or wedelolactone), pterocarpans and/orroetonoids; and/or one or more analogues, derivatives, hydrates,isomers, polymers, salts and solvates thereof, such as neoflavonoids(e.g, calophyllolide, coutareagenin, dalbergichromene, dalbergin and/ornivetin) and/or pterocarpans (e.g., bitucarpin A, bitucarpin B,erybraedin A, erybraedin B, erythrabyssin II, erthyrabissin-1,erycristagallin, glycinol, glyceollidins, glyceollins, glycyrrhizol,maackiain, medicarpin, morisianine, orientanol, phaseolin, pisatin,striatine and/or trifolirhizin);

jasmonic acid and/or one or more derivatives thereof;

linoleic acid and/or one or more derivatives thereof;

linolenic acid and/or one or more derivatives thereof;

one or more karrakins, optionally one or more karrakins represented byformula XXXX;

gluconolactone; and/or

one or more oxidation control components, optionally one or moreantioxidants (e.g., ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbylstearate, calcium ascorbate, one or more carotenoids, lipoic acid, oneor more phenolic compounds (e.g., one or more flavonoids, flavonesand/or flavonols), potassium ascorbate, sodium ascorbate, one or morethiols (e.g., glutathione, lipoic acid and/or N-acetyl cysteine), one ormore tocopherols, one or more tocotrienols, ubiquinone and/or uric acid)and/or one or more oxygen scavengers, optionally ascorbic acid and/orsodium hydrogen carbonate.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are not intended to be a detailed catalogue ofall the different ways in which the present disclosure may beimplemented or of all the features that may be added to the presentdisclosure. Subjects skilled in the art will appreciate that numerousvariations and additions to the various embodiments may be made withoutdeparting from the present disclosure. Hence, the following descriptionsare intended to illustrate some particular embodiments of the inventionand not to exhaustively specify all permutations, combinations andvariations thereof.

Example 1 Stable Wettable Powders Comprising Penicillium Spores

Solid non-aqueous inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprising Penicillium bilaiae spores (ATCC 20851 and/or RS7B-SD1) werestored for four weeks at 40° C. or for twenty weeks at 20° C. alongsidea commercially available wettable powder comprising Penicillium bilaiaespores (ATCC 20851 and RS7B-SD1). The survival rate of Penicilliumspores was greater in each of the solid non-aqueous inoculantcompositions of the present disclosure than in the commerciallyavailable wettable powder. Table 1.

TABLE 1 Viable Viable spores after spores after 20 weeks 4 weeksInoculant Composition at 20° C.¹ at 40° C.¹ A P. bilaiae spores (10%w/w) + 51% 11% MALTRIN QD ® M580 (74.879% w/w) + maltose monohydrate(8.320% w/w) + MULTIWET MO-85P-PW-(AP) (2.750% w/w) + SUNSPRAY ® 6N(4.051% w/w) B P. bilaiae spores (10% w/w) + 54% 13% MALTRIN QD ® M580(62.40% w/w) + maltose monohydrate (20.80% w/w) + MULTIWETMO-85P-PW-(AP) (2.75% w/w) + SUNSPRAY ® 6N (4.05% w/w) C P. bilaiaespores (10% w/w) + 40% 12% MALTRIN QD ® M580 (49.92% w/w) + maltosemonohydrate (33.28% w/w) + MULTIWET MO-85P-PW-(AP) (2.5% w/w) +SUNSPRAY ® 6N (4.05% w/w) D P. bilaiae spores (10% w/w) + 79% 28%MALTRIN QD ® M580 (52.31% w/w) + maltose monohydrate (34.88% w/w) +BIOSOFT ® N23-3 (2.81% w/w) E P. bilaiae spores (10% w/w) + 93% 32%MALTRIN QD ® M580 (65.39% w/w) + maltose monohydrate (21.80% w/w) +BIOSOFT ® N23-3 (2.81% w/w) F P. bilaiae spores (10% w/w) + 68% 34%MALTRIN QD ® M580 (78.469% w/w) + maltose monohydrate (8.719% w/w) +BIOSOFT ® N23-3 (2.813% w/w) Control Commercially available wettable 52% 4% powder comprising P. bilaiae spores ¹Expressed as a percentage ofthe spore content (cfu per gram of inoculant composition) measured attime zero.

The abilities of the aforementioned inoculant compositions to dispersePenicillium bilaiae spores are tested by measuring the ease with whicheach inoculant composition can be mixed into 100 ml of water in a 250 mlErlenmeyer flask at 130 rpm on an orbital shaker. As a follow up to thisqualitative testing, the percentage of single spores (compared to clumpsof >2 spores) in each inoculant composition is calculated by observingthe spores under a microscope at 200× magnification. Each of the solidnon-aqueous inoculant compositions of the present disclosure exhibitsgreater spore dispersion than the commercially available wettablepowder.

Example 2 Stable Wettable Powders Enhance On-Seed Stability

Solid non-aqueous inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprising spores of Penicillium bilaiae and a commercially availablewettable powder comprising corresponding spores were coated on cornseeds treated with a commercially available pesticide. The coated seedswere stored at 10, 20 or 30° C. and 50% relative humidity for 1, 2, 3,4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 18, 20, 22, 26, 30, 32, 34 or 42 weeks and thenassayed for on-seed survivability. As indicated in Table 2 and FIGS.1-3, the survival rate of Penicillium spores was greater on seeds coatedwith the solid non-aqueous inoculant compositions of the presentdisclosure than on seeds coated with the commercially available wettablepowder.

TABLE 2 Viable Viable Viable spores spores spores after after after 42weeks 20 weeks 12 weeks Inoculant Composition at 10° C.¹ at 20° C.¹ at30° C.¹ F P. bilaiae spores (10% 8% 28% 11% w/w) + MALTRIN QD ® M580(78.469% w/w) + maltose monohydrate (8.719% w/w) + BIOSOFT ® N23-3(2.813% w/w) A P. bilaiae spores (10% 7% 23% 17% w/w) + MALTRIN QD ®M580 (74.879% w/w) + maltose monohydrate (8.320% w/w) + MULTIWET MO-85P-PW-(AP) (2.750% w/w) + SUNSPRAY ® 6N (4.051% w/w) Control Commerciallyavailable 2% 14%  2% wettable powder comprising P. bilaiae spores¹Expressed as a percentage of the spore content (cfu per seed) measuredat time zero.

Example 3 Stable Wettable Powders Enhance On-Seed Stability

Solid non-aqueous inoculant compositions of the present disclosurecomprising spores of Penicillium bilaiae and a commercially availablewettable powder comprising corresponding spores were coated on cornseeds treated with a commercially available pesticide. The coated seedswere stored at 20 or 30° C. and 50% relative humidity for 12 weeks andthen assayed for on-seed survivability. As indicated in Table 3, thesurvival rate of Penicillium spores was greater on seeds coated with thesolid non-aqueous inoculant compositions of the present disclosure thanon seeds coated with the commercially available wettable powder.

TABLE 3 Viable Viable spores after spores after 12 weeks 12 weeksInoculant Composition at 20° C.¹ at 30° C.¹ E P. bilaiae spores (10%w/w) + 58% 8% MALTRIN QD ® M580 (65.39% w/w) + maltose monohydrate(21.80% w/w) + BIOSOFT ® N23-3 (2.81% w/w) D P. bilaiae spores (10%w/w) + 55% 5% MALTRIN QD ® M580 (52.31% w/w) + maltose monohydrate(34.88% w/w) + BIOSOFT ® N23-3 (2.81% w/w) B P. bilaiae spores (10%w/w) + 38% 8% MALTRIN QD ® M580 (62.40% w/w) + maltose monohydrate(20.80% w/w) + MULTIWET MO-85P-PW-(AP) (2.75% w/w) + SUNSPRAY ® 6N(4.05% w/w) C P. bilaiae spores (10% w/w) + 41% 6% MALTRIN QD ® M580(49.92% w/w) + maltose monohydrate (33.28% w/w) + MULTIWETMO-85P-PW-(AP) (2.5% w/w) + SUNSPRAY ® 6N (4.05% w/w) ControlCommercially available wettable 33% 2% powder comprising P. bilaiaespores ¹Expressed as a percentage of the spore content (cfu per seed)measured at time zero.

That which is claimed:
 1. A non-aqueous inoculant composition,comprising: Penicillium spores comprising about 0.1 to about 30% (byweight) of said inoculant composition, optionally about 0.5, 0.6, 0.7,0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4,4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19,20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25% (by weight) of said inoculant composition; oneor more dispersants comprising about 0.1 to about 5% (by weight) of saidcomposition, optionally about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8,0.9, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5 or 5% (by weight) of saidcomposition; and a solid non-aqueous carrier comprising about 70 toabout 95% (by weight) of said inoculant composition, optionally about75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92,93, 94 or 95% (by weight) of said inoculant composition, said solidnon-aqueous carrier comprising one or more maltodextrins have a dextroseequivalent value of about 15 to about 20 and one or more disaccharides,optionally maltose and/or trehalose.
 2. The inoculant composition ofclaim 1, wherein said Penicillium spores comprise about 8 to about 12%(by weight) of said inoculant composition, optionally about 8, 8.5, 9,9.5 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5 or 12% (by weight) of said inoculant composition.3. The inoculant composition of any one of claims 1-2, wherein saidPenicillium spores comprise about 1×10¹ to about 1×10¹⁵ colony-formingunits, optionally at least 1×10¹, 1×10², 1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶,1×10⁷, 1×10⁸, 1×10⁹, 1×10¹⁰, 1×10¹¹, 1×10¹² colony-forming units.
 4. Theinoculant composition of any one of claims 1-3, wherein said Penicilliumspores comprise spores of Penicillium bilaiae ATCC 18309, Penicilliumbilaiae ATCC 20851, Penicillium bilaiae ATCC 22348, Penicillium bilaiaeNRRL 50162, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50169, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL50776, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50777, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50778,Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50777, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50778,Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50779, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50780,Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50781, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50782,Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50783, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50784,Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50785, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50786,Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50787, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50788,Penicillium bilaiae RS7B-SD1, Penicillium brevicompactum AgRF18,Penicillium canescens ATCC 10419, Penicillium expansum ATCC 24692,Penicillium expansum YT02, Penicillium fellatanum ATCC 48694,Penicillium gaestrivorus NRRL 50170, Penicillium glabrum DAOM 239074,Penicillium glabrum CBS 229.28, Penicillium janthinellum ATCC 10455,Penicillium lanosocoeruleum ATCC 48919, Penicillium radicum ATCC 201836,Penicillium radicum FRR 4717, Penicillium radicum FRR 4719, Penicilliumradicum N93/47267 and/or Penicillium raistrickii ATCC
 10490. 5. Theinoculant composition of any one of claims 1-4, wherein said solidnon-aqueous carrier comprises about 80 to about 90% (by weight) of saidinoculant composition, optionally about 80, 80.5, 81, 81.5, 82, 82.5,83, 83.5, 84, 84.5, 85, 85.5, 86, 86.5, 87, 87.5, 88, 88.5, 89, 89.5 or90% (by weight) of said inoculant composition.
 6. The inoculantcomposition of any one of claims 1-5, wherein said one or moredispersants comprise about 0.1 to about 2% (by weight) of saidcomposition, optionally about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8,0.9, 1, 1.5 or 2% (by weight) of said composition.
 7. The inoculantcomposition of any one of claims 1-6, wherein said one or moredispersants comprises one or more polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, one ormore acrylic copolymers, one or more polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleatesand/or one or more secondary alcohol ethoxylates.
 8. The inoculantcomposition of any one of claims 1-7, wherein said inoculant compositioncomprises one or more dust suppressants comprising about 0.1 to about30% (by weight) of said composition, optionally about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3,0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3,3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10% (by weight) ofsaid composition.
 9. The inoculant composition of any one of claim 8,wherein said one or more dust suppressants comprises one or moreadhesives, one or more mineral oils, one or more paraffinic oils, one ormore vegetable oils, one or more synthetic polymers and/or glycerin. 10.The inoculant composition of any one of claims 1-9, wherein saidinoculant composition comprises one or more protectants comprising about0.5 to about 10% (by weight) of said composition, optionally about 0.5,1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5 or 10%(by weight) of said composition.
 11. The inoculant composition of claim10, wherein said one or more protectants comprises one or morehygroscopic polymers, optionally one or more albumins, alginates,celluloses, gums (e.g., cellulose gum, guar gum, gum arabic, gumcombretum, xantham gum), methyl celluloses, nylons, pectins, polyacrylicacids, polycarbonates, polyethylene glycols (PEG), polyethylenimines(PEI), polylactides, polymethylacrylates (PMA), polyurethanes, polyvinylalcohols (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidones (PVP), propylene glycols, sodiumcarboxymethyl celluloses and/or starches.
 12. The inoculant compositionof any one of claims 1-11, wherein said inoculant composition comprisesone or more pesticides, optionally: one or more insecticides and/ornematicides, optionally one or more carbamates, diamides, macrocycliclactones, neonicotinoids, organophosphates, phenylpyrazoles, pyrethrins,spinosyns, synthetic pyrethroids, tetronic acids and/or tetramic acids;one or more fungicides, optionally one or more aromatic hydrocarbons,benzimidazoles, benzthiadiazole, carboxamides, carboxylic acid amides,morpholines, phenylamides, phosphonates, quinone outside inhibitors,thiazolidines, thiophanates, thiophene carboxamides and/or triazoles;and/or one or more herbicides, optionally one or more acetyl CoAcarboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors, acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors,acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) inhibitors, photosystem II inhibitors,photosystem I inhibitors, protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO or Protox)inhibitors, carotenoid biosynthesis inhibitors, enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate (EPSP) synthase inhibitor, glutamine synthetaseinhibitor, dihydropteroate synthetase inhibitor, mitosis inhibitors,4-hydroxyphenyl-pyruvate-dioxygenase (4-HPPD) inhibitors, syntheticauxins, auxin herbicide salts, auxin transport inhibitors, and/ornucleic acid inhibitors.
 13. The inoculant composition of any one ofclaims 1-12, wherein said inoculant composition comprises one morelipo-chitooligosaccharides, optionally one or morelipo-chitooligosaccharides represented by formulas I-IV.
 14. Theinoculant composition of any one of claims 1-13, wherein said inoculantcomposition comprises one more lipo-chitooligosaccharides, optionallyone or more of the lipo-chitooligosaccharides represented by structuresV-XXXIII.
 15. The inoculant composition of any one of claims 1-14,wherein said inoculant composition comprises one or morechitooligosaccharides, optionally one or more chitooligosaccharidesrepresented by formulas XXXIV-XXXV.
 16. The inoculant composition of anyone of claims 1-15, wherein said inoculant composition comprises one ormore chitooligosaccharides, optionally one or more chitooligosaccharidesrepresented by structures XXXVI-XXXIX.
 17. The inoculant composition ofany one of claims 1-16, wherein said inoculant composition comprises oneor more chitinous compounds, optionally one or more chitins and/or oneor more chitosans.
 18. The inoculant composition of any one of claims1-17, wherein said inoculant composition comprises one or moreflavonoids, optionally: one or more anthocyanidins, optionally cyanidin,delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, peonidin and/or petunidin; one ormore anthoxanthins, optionally one or more flavones, such as apigenin,baicalein, chrysin, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, diosmin, flavoxate,6-hydroxyflavone, luteolin, scutellarein, tangeritin and/or wogonin;and/or flavonols, such as amurensin, astragalin, azaleatin, azalein,fisetin, furanoflavonols galangin, gossypetin, 3-hydroxyflavone,hyperoside,icariin, isoquercetin, kaempferide, kaempferitrin,kaempferol, isorhamnetin, morin, myricetin, myricitrin, natsudaidain,pachypodol, pyranoflavonols quercetin, quericitin, rhanmazin, rhamnetin,robinin, rutin, spiraeoside, troxerutin and/or zanthorhamnin; one ormore flavanones, optionally butin, eriodictyol, hesperetin, hesperidin,homoeriodictyol, isosakuranetin, naringenin, naringin, pinocembrin,poncirin, sakuranetin, sakuranin and/or sterubin; one or moreflavanonols, optionally dihydrokaempferol and/or taxifolin; flavans,such as flavan-3-ols (e.g., catechin (C), catechin 3-gallate (Cg),epicatechins (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC) epicatechin 3-gallate (ECg),epigallcatechin 3-gallate (EGCg), epiafzelechin, fisetinidol,gallocatechin (GC), gallcatechin 3-gallate (GCg), guibourtinidol,mesquitol, robinetinidol, theaflavin-3-gallate, theaflavin-3′-gallate,theflavin-3,3′-digallate, thearubigin), flavan-4-ols (e.g., apiforoland/or luteoforol) and/or flavan-3,4-diols (e.g., leucocyanidin,leucodelphinidin, leucofisetinidin, leucomalvidin, luecopelargonidin,leucopeonidin, leucorobinetinidin, melacacidin and/or teracacidin);and/or one or more isoflavonoids, optionally one or more isoflavones,such as biochanin A, daidzein, formononetin, genistein and/or glycitein;isoflavanes, such as equol, ionchocarpane and/or laxifloorane;isoflavandiols; isoflavenes, such asglabrene, haginin D and/or2-methoxyjudaicin; coumestans, such as coumestrol, plicadin and/orwedelolactone; pterocarpans; and/or roetonoids; and/or one or moreneoflavonoids, optionally calophyllolide, coutareagenin,dalbergichromene, dalbergin and/or nivetin; and/or one or morepterocarpans, optionally bitucarpin A, bitucarpin B, erybraedin A,erybraedin B, eiythrabyssin II, erthyrabissin-1, erycristagallin,glycinol, glyceollidins, glyceollins, glycyrrhizol, maackiain,medicarpin, morisianine, orientanol, phaseolin, pisatin, striatineand/or trifolirhizin.
 19. The inoculant composition of any one of claims1-18, wherein said inoculant composition comprises one or more dryingagents, optionally calcium stearate, one or more clays, graphite,magnesium stearate, magnesium sulfate, powdered milk, one or more silicapowders, soy lecithin and/or talc.
 20. The inoculant composition of anyone of claims 1-19, wherein said solid non-aqueous carrier encapsulatesat least 50% of said Penicillium spores, optionally at least 55, 60, 65,70, 75, 80, 85, 90 or 95% of said Penicillium spores.
 21. A coated plantpropagation material, comprising: a plant propagation material,optionally a seed; and a coating that covers at least a portion of anouter surface of said seed, said coating comprising the inoculantcomposition of any one of claims 1-20.
 22. A kit, comprising: the coatedplant propagation material of claim 21; and a container housing saidcoated plant propagation material.
 23. A plant germinated from thecoated plant propagation material of claim
 21. 24. A plant partharvested from the plant of claim
 23. 25. A processed product producedfrom the plant part of claim
 24. 26. A crop comprising a plurality ofthe plant of claim
 23. 27. A method, comprising applying the inoculationcomposition of any one of claims 1-20 to a plant propagation material,optionally a seed.
 28. A method, comprising planting the coated plantpropagation material of claim 21 in a growth medium, optionally a soil.